Outlaws of the Border. 



A Complete akd Authektic History 



OF THE LIVES CF 



FRANK AND JESSE JAMES 



YOUNGER BROTHERS/ 



AND THEIR ROBBER COMPANION'S, INCLUDING 



QUANTRELL AND HIS NOTED GUERILLAS, 



THE GREATEST BANDITS THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOV/N. 



A WONDERFUL RECORD OF CRIME AND ITS CONSEQUENCES, DRAWN 
WITH GREAT CARE FROM RELIABLE SOURCES. A THRIL- 
LING NARRATIVE, VIVIljLY WRITTEN, 



By JAY DONALD. 



Ifull^ miuetrate 




CHICAGO: 
COBURN & NEWMAN PUBLISHING CO. ^ 

SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. FOND DU LAC, WIS. PERRYVILLE, MO. i 

LANSING, MICH. ' 

1S82 j 



^-ri 



ry 




60S. 







COPYRIGHT 1SS2. 

BY * 

THE COBURN S: NEWMAN PUBLISHING COMPANY, 



CHICAGO, ILL. 



PRESS OF 

BLAKELY, MARSH & COMPANY, 

155 AND 157 DEARBORN ST, 



^ 

\ 

I^ 



PRERAQE. 



In placing this book' before the pubHc, we ofFer neither 

excuse nor apology; we have tried to so write it that it would 

not need tliem. The subject it treats has long occupied a 

place in polite literature, and had for its champions the mas- 

^ iers of every language. These sung its praise; we come with 

i ti requiem: Brigandage is dead. Never again, unless the 

world staggers back into barbarism, can that institution be 

revived. The meager'remnant of its votaries are fast being 

lunted to death. It follows chivalry to the grave, and in the 

unny land that nurtured both, they sleep together. Coming 

;es will shed a luster over its cruelties, and poetry hang 

,arlands on its tomb, but ere these gentle mourners have 

wrapped in oblivion all its hideous features, an outraged peo- 

le ask to see it as it is. These we undertake to satisfy. To 

Uhfully portray the lives and characters of the boldest ban-' 

s that ever plagued the world; to strip from them the false 

rbs in which romancers have clothed them; to lay them 

)are in all their brutality, is the object of this book. We do 

not claim* to have discovered the whole truth; much is still 

shrouded in mysLery which never will be revealed, but all that 

care and labor could effect in this we have accomplished, and 

. w^ith the request that fhe reader will look only for the moral 

its pages teach, and be not 

" Like those bees of Trebizond, 

Which from the sunniest flowers that glad 

With their sweet smile the gardens round, 
Draw venom forth that drives men mad," 

we respectfully dedicate this volume to the world. 
'^ . Jay Donald. 



j> .^ 



^ 



PUBLISHERS' PREFACE. 



N undertaking- to issue " The Outlaws of the Border," 
the Publishers feel that their motives may be misunder- 
stood, and that " the dollar " may appear to be the only 
consideration. While in common with all business men they 
are willing in every legitimate way to increase their fortune, 
they respectfully claim for this enterprise a higher motive. 
There have been issued several publications representing these 
outlaws as heroes, and clothing them in a garb of romance 
likely to mislead the minds of youth, who feeling the first 
promptings of the valor inherent in the race, naturally con- 
clude that persons who appear chivalrous and brave, must 
necessarily have many virtues, and that these outlaws may 
possibly have been "more sinned against than sinning." Ob- 
serving the bad influences of such books, the publishers deter- 
mined to issue a work that w^ould reveal the true character of 
these brigands, and show to the vouthful mind that an evil 
course of action is always sure to bring its own reward, and 
that the glamor of apparent success cannot compensate for the 
bad results of a vicious career. Mainly in the hope of con- 
tributing something toward the correction of the tendency 
referred to, this work is respectfully presented to the public. 

THE PUBLISHERS. 
Chicago, June 15, 1S82. 



IV 




aONT?ElNTS. 



PAGE. 

Chapter I. — Introchiction 1 1 

Chapter II. — Beginning- of the War; Character of the Guerillas; Their Code of 

Laws and Morals; Watchin:^ for their Prey 15 

Chapter III.— Qjiantrell— His Early Life and Character; Journey to California; 
The Murderous Attack; The Turning- Point in Qiiantrell's History; Trans- 
formed in a Night iS 

Chapter IV. — The James Family; The Father's Reputation; Early Life in Mis- 
souri; Character of the Mother; Death of Mr. James; Childhood of the 
Brothers 23 

Chapter v.— Joining the Guerillas; The Boys' Skill with Pistols; Frank Be- 
comes a Follower of Qjiantrell; The Federal Raid on the Family; Dr. • am- 
u Is Hung: Jesse Threatened and Chastised; 'I he Women Arrested; Jesse 
Follows His Brother, and Becomes a Guerilla 27 

Chapter VI.— The Blatk Oath; The Ceremonies which Accompanied it 33 

Chapter VII.— Aetive Service; The Fir-t Fight; Capture of the Richfield Gar- 
rison; Frank and Jesse in the Field: A Midnight Visit to the Old Home; 
The Mother's Reception; On to Plattsburg; Another Victory; $12,000 Cap- 
tured; Frank's Share of the Spoils; A Grotesque Ending to an Exciting 
Day 38 

Chapter VIII.— A Carnival of Crime: Quantrell Orders a Change of Position; 
Keeping in Practice; The Council; Qiiantrell's Speech; The March to 
Lawrence 42 

Chapter IX.— Destruction of Lawrence; A Day of Ruin and Death; The Guer- 
illas at Work with Sword and Torch; A Minister's Reminiscence of the 
Dreadful Day 48 

Chapter X.— The Retreat; A Record of Hardship and Danger; General Ewing's 

Order 56 

Chapter XI. — Defeats and Successes; Retreat of General Price; Wounding of 

Jesse James; Separation of the Guerillas; Jesse in Texas 6r 

Chapter XII.— The Last of the Guerillas; Quantrell's Death; The Surrender 84 

Chapter XIII.— The Ira-zedy of Brandenburg; Four Men Attempt to Arrest 
Frank James for a Horse Thief; Three of Them Killed; The Other Es- 
capes; Frank Wounded in the Left Hip ; Concealed by His Friends 89 

Chapter XIV.— Liberty, Mo.. Bank Robbery, and what Followed It; S70,0fo 
1-aken from the Tank on St. Valentine's Day; The James Boj's Believed 

to be the Instigators; Jesse James Defeats a Posse of Detectives 94 

V 



vi. CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

Chapter XV.— An Era of Rest; Jesse James Goes to Chaplin, Ky., to Heal His 
Wounds, and Enjoy the Hospitality of His Kentucky Friends; Thence to 

Nashville; Places Himself Under the Care of Dr. Paul F. Eve 190 

Chapter XVI.— The Russellville Bank Robbery 105 

Chapter XVH. — The Secret Cave; A Mysterious Retreat; Its Singular Discov- 
ery 116 

Chapter XVIII.— Among the •' Rockies;" To California " For Their Health " . . 136 

Chapter XIX.— Jesse and Frank James in Missouri 13S 

Chapter XX.— The Noted Outlaws in Danger; Captain Thoma-on Attempts 

their Arrest ; Detectives after Them ; Every Effort Fails 149 

Chapter XXI.— Another Thrilling Tragedy at Columbia, Ky 153 

Chapter XXII. — The Boys and Civilization 159 

Chapter XXIII.— The Robbers in Iowa 165 

Chapter XXIV.— At Kansas City Fair 170 

Chapter XXV.— St. Genevieve Raided 174 

Chapter XXVI.— Tratn Robbery on Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, 
Fourteen Miles East of Council Bluffs; Killing of the Engineer; Escape of 

the Robbers i S3 

Chapter XXVII.— Stage Robbery on the Hot Springs Route 192 

Chapter XXVill.— Train Robbed at Gad's Hill; Ihe Citizens Captured and 

Imprison d 203 

Chapter XXIX. — The Country Aroused ; Who were the Robbers .' 209 

Chapter XXX.— Special Efforts for the Capture of the Bandits 214 

Chapter XXXI. — A Detective Detected; Wicher's Hands Too Soft for a Farm 
Laborer; He is Captured by His Expected Captives and Put to Draih in 

the Darkness 220 

Chapter XXXII.- Attack on Castle James ; Planning the Assault. A Ridiculous 

Defeat ; And its Horrible Consequences. 225 

Chapter XXXIII.— Conciliation and Revenge: Proposed Amnesty for Outlaws; 

A Curious Document 231 

Chapter XXXIV.— The San Antonio Stage Pi.obbery; •' One Generous Act. ' 237 

Chapter XXXV.— The Fate of Farmer Askew 244 

Chapter XXXVI. — Robbery of the Muncie Express; Another Fruitless Search 

Death of McDaniels 247 

Chapter XXX\ai.— In Virginia ; The Huntington Raid 253 

Chapter XXXVUI. — Jesse''s Courtship and Marriage; A Romantic Story of 

Love and Danger; A Strange Wedding Tour 256 

Chapter XXXIX.— PVank's F'ond Love , 263 

Chapter XL. — F'rank and Annie t. .. 271 

Chapter XLI.— The Rocky Cut Train Robbery; A Bold Stroke; Arrest and 

Confession of One ot the Robbers 277 

Chapter XLII.-The Ride to Death in Minnesota ._ 2S4 



CONTENTS. ^^^^• 



PAGE. 

Chapter XLIII.— The Trasfedy at Northfield 2S9 

Chapter XLIV.— The p:scape from Northfield 295 

Chapter XLV.-The James Brothers Fly Across the Border ; Sojourn m Mexico; 

Adventures among- the Natives ^ 9 

Chapter XLVI.-" Fresh Fields and Pas'ures New." The Fascinations of the 
Outlaw's Life; Brigandage beyond the Rio Grande; Fandango at Matamo- 
ras; What it Cost to Laugh at Frank and Jesse James ; The Spring of 1877; 

The Brave Men of Piedras M egras 33° 

Chapter XLVn.-" Should Auld Acquaintance be Forgot?"— The Boys Meet 
With an Old Companion ; Memories of Other Davs Revived ; The Fandango 

atMontclova; More Bloodshed; A Miraculous Escape 33^ 

Chapter XLVIIL -Still Among the Mexicans-Palacio's Band; A Desperate 
Strug-le with Cattle Thieves ; Dead Greasers in the Cactus Patches ; •' Food 
for the Vultures;" The Trusty Winchesters; Back to the Pecos Valley in ^^^ 

Triumph 

Chapter XLLX.-A Brief but Romantic Chapter-Bastenado and his Tribe ; The 
Fair Alice Gordon ; Frank and Jesse to the Rescue ; An Early Breakfast 
Disturbed ; Alice Gordon Rescued ; Bastenado Killed ; Back to the Pecos 

Valley 

Chapter L.-A Big Time at Big Springs-The Stockmen in Camp at Ogallala ; 
$"0,000 HavU ; The Red Bandanas ; Leace on the Search ; Arrest and 

Death of Jim )5erry ; The Mysterious Unknown • • 35 

Chapter LL-A Pilgrimage to the- Home of the Bandits-Curiosity about the 

Private Lives of the Notorious; A Young Georgian Ye.^.rns for a Sight ot ^ 

the Boys ; A Weary Pilgrimage W^ell Rewarded 3 ^5 

Chapter LIL-Literarv Remains of Jesse James-Reticence in Speech and 
Writing; Letters Reveal the Author; Jesse's Private Letters; Letters to tHe 

Nashville Banner ; Letters to the Kansas City Times 37 1 

Chapter LIIL-The Robbers at Work Again-The Lonely Flag-Station at 

Glendale; Determined Conduct of the Raiders; Js^.coo in Ten Minutes; ^ 

Valiant Conduct of William Grimes ; An Important D-spatch 3/9 

Chapter LIV.-Marshal Liggett iu Pursuit-How to Secure Jesse; George W. 
Shepherd; Sketch of his Life; On the Track of Jesse; Sunday Afternoon 

in the Woods ; A Race for Life 

Chapter LV.-StiU in Pursuit of the Glendale Robbers-Allen Parmer ; Marries 
Susan James; Home in Texas; Arrested in Connection ^vlth the Glenda e 
Robbery; Jesse Still Uncaught; Was He Really Dead? A Summer After- ^^^ 

noon in Princeton • 

Chapter LVL-Mammoth Cave Stage Robbery-Another Stage Robbery ; The 
Concord Coach; Frank and Jesse to the Front; The Logical Driver, $1,136 

Haul ; " Good-Bye, Give My Love to the Girls." 

Chapter LVH.; Robbery and Murder-WestonviUe ; The Old B^^ttle^F^^ld^ 
Murder of William Westfall ; McMillan killed by a Stray Shot , The Bag- 
gage Van Robbed ; The Robbers are Hunted m Vain 4"5 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 



Chapter LVIII ; Further Light on the Westonville Robbery— A Suggestive 
Letter Found ; Testimony of Eye-Witnesses ; Mr. Fred. Henkel, of Chi- 
cago, and Major Anthony, of Denver, Interviewed 4 '3 

Chapter LIX ; Jesse's Last Raid ; Glendale Again ; Who Was He ? The 
Pleasant September Evening ; The Train Boarded ; Testimony of Eye- 
Witnesses ; Hazelbaker and Foote ; A $12,000 Haul 4i5 

Chapter LX.— The Long Lane Begins to Turn The Hunt through Cracker 

Neck Forest ; Part of the Gang Captured ; Where Was Jesse? John Land's 

Confession ; Death of Wood Hite , 426 

Chapter LXI.— Gathering Gloom— Governor Crittenden Working in Secret ; 

The Mysterious Lodge ; Dick Little's Su render ; Little's Confession 429 

Chapter LXIL— Nearing the End— Jesse Removes from Kansas City; Mr. 
Thomas Howard, of St. Joseph; Jesse's Rage at Little's Confession; Last 

Visit to the Kearney Home 435 

Chapter LXIII.— The Tragic End of Jesse J xmes- The Plot Deepens ; A Scheme 
to Raid the Platte City Bank; The Eventful Third of April; Jesse otf His 

Guard; The Fatal Shot 44° 

Chapter LXIV.— After the Tragedy at St. Joseph; Wild Excitement on the 
News of Jesse's Death; The Public Incredulous; Bob Ford's Story; Opin- 
ions of an Old Confederate 45° 

Chapter LXV. —The Inquest; Mrs. Samuels Receives the News; Her Inter- 
view with Jesse's Wife and Children; Visiting the Dead; The Inquest. 

Scathing Denunciation of Dick Little by Mrs. Samuels 460 

Chapter LXVI.— Here Lies Jesse James; The Last of Earth ; Preparations for 
the Funeral; The Homeward March; Jesse Lying in State; The Funeral 

Obsequies 4^7 

Chapter LXVII.— Religion of the James Family 473 

Chapter LXVIII.— Description of the Ford Brothers 47^ 

Chapter LXIX.— Un-American Methods 47^ 

Chapter LXX.— The Younger Family 4^3 

Chapter LXXl.— The Baleful Curse of Civil War 49° 

Chapter LXXII.— Guerilla Recruitmg— Peace Essential to Progress; Scratch Our 
Civilization and You Find Barbarism; How Recruits Were Made for 

Quantrell 49^' 

Chapter LXXIII.— The Younger Boys with Quantrell S^i 

Chapter LXXIV.— The Youngers in Other Relations— Driven to Outlawry. ... 513 
Chapter LXXV.-- 1 he Youngers as Outlaws— Their Latest Acts 5^7 




ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Jesse James lo 

A Prey for Buzzards 19 

Frank and Jesse James in Youth 29 

Ihe Black Fla^^ 36 

On to I.awrence 43 

The Council 67 

Jesses Reception 99 

Russell vi lie B mk Robbery 113 

Entrance to the Secret Cave 117 

Mammoth Rock near the Mysterious Cave 121 

The Resort in California 153 

Fight in a Mininij Camp 137 

Scene on the Missouri River 141 

Interior Scene of Bank Robbery. 167 

Interior Train Robbery 1S5 

Stage Robbery 193 

Encounter with Detectives 217 

Jesse's Courtship /. 2157 

A Trip Down the Rio Grande 329 

Governor Crittenden 431 

In Hands of Indians 4^3 

Frank James in Mexico 445 

Shooting of Jesse James 4f7 

Jesse Dead 449 

The House Where Jesse was Shot 45 1 

Latest Portrait of Frank James 457 

Mrs. Samuels 465 

The Samuels' Residence 471 

Charley Ford 475 

Robert Ford 477 

Cole Younger 485 

lim and Bob Younger .^ 4S7 

The Confederate Flag 491 

Recrxiiiing after a Raid 495 

George W. Shepherd 503 

ix 




JESSE JAMES. 



CFIAPTER I. 

" But that I am forbid 

To tell the secrets of my prison house 

I could a tale unfold whose lightest -word 

Would harrow up thy soul, freeze thy young blood, 

Make thy two eyes start from their spheres. 

Thy knotted and combined locks to part. 

And each particular hair to stand on end 

Like quills upon the fretful porcupine; 

But this eternal blazon must not be 

To ears of flesh and blood." 

— Shakespeare. 

INTRODUCTIOX. 



3^ TORIES of outlawry and adventure have ever pos- 
sessed a peculiar fascination for the mind. The 
best talent in the literary world has found pleasure 
and fame in this questionable field of romance, and has 
succeeded in clothing the most repulsive characters in 
garbs of such splendid hues that honesty looks poor and 
humble beside proud piracy and radiant murder. 

The veil of mystery thrown round the lives of Rob Roy 
and Claude Duval by the genius of Scott and Bulwer — like 
the cloud of shining hair loosed over the form of a Circassian 
girl, reveals through its misty glory glimpses of charms that 
catch a heightened beauty from being half concealed. 

Confronted with such pictures, ambitious youth inclines a 

little toward the gallant ruffian with the deep voice and the 

1 1 




12 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

terrible look, and tastes and sympathies so formed have given 
direction to many a life. 

Ordinarily the book of adventure is pernicious in its influ- 
ence, and nearly as potent in filling jails and graves as rum. 
Written with a romantic glitter calculated to unsettle the 
mind, the lives of its characters are made to possess so much 
of freedom and gallant daring that we are enchanted, and fail 
to detect the real brutality of the men we are invited to ad- 
mire, or the hardships they are compelled to endure, and the 
almost certain fate which awaits them. The halter and the 
black cap are carefully kept out of sight by the fastidious 
hand of art, and the reader is not allowed to see his hero 
roughly strangled into submission to the law he has wantonly 
outraged, and the body, limp and lifeless, laid in the ground — 
unknelled, unhonored, and unsung. 

Such has been the romance of the past, and in that form 
we have had the tales of Robin Hood, Dick Turpin, and a 
score of the terrible mjn of all countries and times. But these 
must yield the palm at last; their daring deeds and reckless 
valor have been eclipsed; the maudlin idolatry they have en- 
joyed so long belongs to others. They were great when it 
was easy to excel; terrible when it was not dangerous to 
dare. There were no telegraph, no railroads, no skillful detec- 
tives then; caves and deep forests and thinly settled country 
offered security to these enemies of men which is not to be 
found in civilized lands to-day. But here, in the midst of a 
great commonwealth, surrounded by every trap the law's 
avengers have devised, tracked by day and hunted by night, 
the James Brothers have robbed and murdered for twenty 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 13 

years, ever eluding or slaying their pursuers, boldly defying 
society and the power of a great country. Nothing approach- 
ing their cunning, courage, skill and cruelty as slayers of their 
race has ever been known. Compared with the career of 
these two backwoods boys, the most ingenious fiction is tame 
and commonplace. 

The existence of such characters within the boundaries of 
a peaceful land, preying upon their fellow-beings like wild 
beasts, and successfully hiding from their hunters where it 
would seem no hiding place could be found, has naturally 
awakened much surprise and speculation. To thoughtful 
minds it appears strange that men endowed with the cunning, 
energy and courage exhibited in the tamest exploits of these 
highwaymen, should voluntarily select a life so fraught with 
hardship and peril, and offering so little in return, when those 
attributes directed in any other channel could not fail to win 
honor and riches, without the restriction upon the enjoyment 
of them which a career of crime incurs. 

In view of this, men have refused to believe that the 
course adopted by Frank and Jesse James was one of choice, 
and have looked around for the cause which could have 
driven them into such a vortex of viciousness. 

Various reasons and excuses have been assigned them, but 
with these we have nothing to do. It is ours to relate the 
facts. We leave the cause with Him who makes men as they 
are — with hearts of love and hearts of hate, with the intellects of 
gods and the instincts of beasts, with all the grades of passion, 
hope and fear — no two alike, all different — and sends them 
upon the stage of life to play their parts, may be in the cease- 



iC OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

less presence of an awful audience, catching their roles from 
their environments, or from the promptings of unseen lips. 
Who knows? 

But to attribute to the civil war, its cruelties and horrors, 
the cause of the desperate career of the James Boys, is as 
unreasonable as to trace that cause still farther back, and say 
if they had never been born they would never have been bad. 

The war was not especially kind to any one ; millions 
suffered from its ravages, but few became marauders. The 
truth is, these men were cruel by nature, and the war merely 
supplied them with a field in which to indulge their brutal 
tastes. Had the confederacy succeeded the guerillas would 
have been honored as imjDortant partizans in the retinue that 
ushered her to victory, and their names had been remembered 
with something like the reverence we pay to men like Marion. 
But defeat dealt a quieting blow to all her adherents, con- 
signed to oblivion many a dream of fame, and snatched from 
crime its cloak of patriotism. Then " guerillas " were no 
longer heroes, but criminals; and " freebooting " again took 
on its old name — robbery. 



CHAPTER II. 

BEGINNING OF THE WAR. CHARACTER OF THE GUER- 
ILLAS. THEIR CODE OF LAWS AND MORALS. WATCH- 
ING FOR THEIR PREY. 

In the spring of iS6i the boom of cannon at Fort Sum- 
ter announced to the world that the Great Civil War, which 
had so long been brooding, had begun. The entire country, 
North and South, sprang to arms. In the border States, 
especially, the greatest excitement prevailed, as there were 
mingled most closely the two opposing elements, which being 
so mingled, at once came into conflict. 

Families were torn asunder by warring sentiments. Broth- 
ers fought against each other. Fathers and sons met in 
deadly strife. The young men of the North were prompt in 
responding to the bloody challenge, and Southern youth, fired 
by supposed wrongs, came eagerly to the fray. The circum- 
stances out of which it grew, and the relations connecting the 
different factions engaged against each other, rendered the 
American Rebellion one of the crudest of conflicts, even 
where it maintained an organized form ; but where it became 
partizan, untrammeled by the rules that govern civilized war- 
fare; free to kill and plunder wherever it found a victim; 
where it assumed this form, the civil war of America was 
horrible in the extreme, and in expiring it left a legacy of 

15 



^4 017TLAJVS OF THE BORDER. 



feuds and hatred which all the subsequent years have not been 
sufficient to extinguish. 

During these trying times Missouri and Kansas were 
mercilessly scourged. The borders of these States were in- 
fested with as wild and wicked a horde of guerillas as ever 
cast a darker stain on war's black scroll of death. It was the 
band that followed the sable banner of the terrible Quantrell, 
whose dread name, screamed above the battle's noise, shook 
many an arm with fear, and drove the blood from swarthy 
cheeks flushed with the fever of the fight. This lawless 
horde, whose ostensible object was the success of the Confed- 
erate army, espoused that cause as the vulture espouses the 
cause of all armies. 

Above all, these men were plunderers, and everything 
being equal they would have been as likely to attach them- 
selves to one side as to the other, though it is presumable that 
even then the nature of the Confederate cause would have 
ajDpealed more strongly through its very unfairness, to men 
like these, than the more liberal principles of the North. But 
be that as it may, the guerillas were Southern born, and had 
already imbibed that rancorous hatred for the Union and its 
sympathizers. North and South, which past generations had 
faithfully handed down as a birthright to the true Southerner. 

All that is necessary to describe these free-lance warriors 
is briefly told. They were brave, cunning, merciless. 
Picked from the most desperate characters which that awful 
era of horror developed and revealed, these grim followers of 
Quantrell were well calculated to fill a land with dread. Per- 
haps never has there been gathered under one flag a band so 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 1 7 

uniformly cruel and pitiless. Accustomed to no restrictions 
and little order, their laws were few and brief. 

They recognized no crime but cowardice, no virtue but 
courage. With them life was too worthless to be spared or 
considered. They killed as remorselessly as they robbed. 
The follower of " Quantrell's Blacky Banner " had taken his 
life into his hand, and he rode side by side with death, and 
did not shudder. He asked no quarter; he gave none. When 
his turn came he met it with dumb lips, and sunk in that grim 
embrace without a groan. To this Spartan-like stoicism was 
added cunning and tireless patience. The tiger crouching by 
the spring where his prey must come to drink, is not more 
patient, more tireless in his lonely vigil. Through days and 
nights these stealthy watchers have lain beside a house, a 
road, a shadowy pass, and waited — like the tiger — for their 
prey. They knew it would come, and they waited. The 
rain might beat upon them, the heat might consume them, 
but still they waited. At last it came — it always did; then 
their task was light : one shot was all ; they never missed their 
mark. 

It was a strange, irregular life ; feasting to-day, starving 
to-morrow ; now merry and free, laughing or singing their 
wild songs as they rode over the quiet hills and valleys in 
that sunny land, or picked their v/ay through shady forests; 
in an hour dashing like demons where swords flashed and 
bullets whistled their low warning as they flew on their er- 
rand of death, or riding for life before the hot pursuit of out- 
numbering foes. Such was the career of Quantrell's bloody 
band. 



CHAPTER III. 

QUANTRELL. HIS EARLY LIFE AND CHARACTER. ^JOUR- 
NEY TO CALIFORNIA. THE MURDEROUS ATTACK. THE 

TURNING POINT IN QUANTRELL's HISTORY. — TRANS- 
FORMED IN A NIGHT. 

Charles William Quantrell, the bloodthirsty chief of this 
wild horde, had faithfully earned his terrible renown; and yet 
so apparently was that dark course the result of circumstance, 
that while we turn with a shudder from the record of hts 
unnatural deeds, we leave to a higher tribunal the responsi* 
bility of judging this man, who but for a crime by which 
he suffered, would doubtless have continued in the civil life 
he had so well begun, and might now condemn with us such 
cruelty in others. 

Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1836, his early life 
prophesied nothing of his subsequent terrible career. A kind, 
obedient, affectionate son, betraying no sign of the revengeful 
spirit which in later years was to make him feared and 
dreaded like a pestilence. All his young tastes and educa- 
tion seemed to point in the direction of a gentle manhood and 
peaceful life. But circumstances, or that 

" Destiny which shapes all our ends, 
Rough hew them as we may," 

at last broke over him and in a night transformed this unof- 
fending boy into a demon. 

18 



20 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

It was ill 1S56, while he was yet a youth. He had 
received a liberal education at college in Cleveland, Ohio, 
where he was sent at the age of sixteen by his elder brother, 
upon whom the care of the family had fallen by the death of 
the father. He joined his brother at the home of the latter in 
Kansas City, and together the}^ started to California, to try 
their fortune in that strange land of which men told wonder- 
ful stories then. They went by wagon, and with no com- 
panions, no attendant but a negro servant, they journeyed 
joyously on toward the land of gold. 

At that time the border was harassed by bands of maraud- 
ers called Jay-hawkers, who under the pretense of desiring 
freedom in Kansas, and claiming to be Abolitionists, rode about 
murdering and plundering in an atrocious manner. 

The little company of gold hunters had reached the Cot- 
tonwood River, and pitched their tent beside the stream. The 
evening meal was over, and the brothers were sitting together 
on the bank, talking of their dreams of wealth in that rich 
country they were soon to reach, when suddenly a band of 
these Jay-hawkers dashed down upon them, shot the elder 
brother dead, and left young Charles riddled with bullets. 
Then they took everything — money, jewelry, supplies, wagon 
and horses, and with the terrified servant rode away, leaving 
their victims to the mercy of jackals and buzzards. 

But young Quantrell had not been killed. Wounded and 
bleeding he lay unconscious till dawn broke in silence on the 
scene. Then consciousness returned. Bewildered, he raised 
himself and looked around ; he saw the brother he loved 
more than all else in the world, stretched stiff and cold be- 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 21 

side him ; their wagon, horses, all they owned, was gone; 
the dreams of wealth they had nursed together faded away 
like a desert mirage, and as the awful reality forced itself 
upon his disordered mind, he sank back with a desolate moan, 
and forgot it all. A fever set in. The summer sun burned 
its way across a cloudless sky and sunk behind a wall of hills ; 
the moon crept up above the trees, the dew fell noiselessly on 
leaf and grass and face and hair, and through it all — under 
the burning sun and under the quiet stars, wounded, with no 
companion but the dead, the fever patient raved and writhed 
— how long he never knew, but when he woke a buzzard's 
wing had brushed his face, a wolf howled dismally across the 
marsh, and a terrible thirst consumed him. 

Painfully he crawled to his brother's side, and all that night 
he fought away the birds and beasts of prey till, faint and 
weak, he at last was rescued by an old Indian who happened 
to pass that way. The old man brought water to the boy, 
dug a grave and buried the dead, then kindly took young 
Quantrell to his hut and nursed him back to health. 

But the tenderest care could not restore the gentle spirit of 
the happy boy who sat with his brother on the river bank 
that night before the tragedy that parted them so cruelly. 
All that was kind and loving in his nature expired in the 
agonies of that horrible experience. He was another man, 
revengeful, desperate, merciless. He resolved to avenge that 
outrage, and how well he did it, our country's history tells. 

Years have passed. We find Quantrell at the head of a 
band of guerillas, murdering, robbing, keeping the border 
States in constant fear and turmoil ; surrounded by such men 



22 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



as Anderson, Todd, Gregg, Scott, the Younger Brothers, and 
Frank and Jesse James. 

Quantrell was their kmg; the chief of all the guerilla 
bands. His word was law — unquestioned, absolute — to these 
wild spirits. They followed the " Black Banner of Death " — 
no one asked where. 




CHAPTER IV. 

THE JAMES FAMILY THE FATHEr's REPUTATION EARLY 

LIFE IN MISSOURI CHARACTER OF THE MOTHER 

DEATH OF MR. JAMES CHILDHOOD OF THE BROTHERS. 

•■ Frank and Jesse James were the sons of respectable pa- 
rents. Their fiither, the Rev. Robert James, was a native of 
Kentucky. He was a Baptist minister of some celebrity in 
the region of his labors, and was respected and loved by 
many. It is claimed that he was a man of much learning 
and culture, a graduate of Georgetown College, while there 
are those who remember him only as a plain, outspoken, hon- 
est man, with a genius for making the most of a limited edu- 
cation, and a fund of good sense. But whether he was a 
scholar or not, concerns us not. It is agreed by all that he 
was an earnest. God-fearing laborer in the holy cause, an elo- 
quent preacher and a dutiful pastor, and men still tell of the 
generous acts and persuasive eloquence of that noble pioneer 
minister. These deeds and words that survive their beloved 
author, contrast most strangely with those of his unnatural 
offspring. 

In 1 84 1, Rev. Robert James, with his young wife and 
their first child Frank, then an infant, left their home in 
Kentucky and settled in Clay County, Missouri, at that time 
a new State. Here he organized and established the church 
of New Hope, and it was here that his most earnest labors 
were performed. 

23 



H 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



The mother of these boys, Mrs. Zerekla James, formerly 
Miss Cole, was unlike her husband in every particular. She had 
an ungovernable will, was a woman of masculine appearance 
and character, endowed with a violent temper and an unrelent- 
ing sternness not especially admirable in man, but deplorable 
when developed in the sex to which we look for gentleness 
and amiability. Her form was tall and angular, her counte- 
nance forbidding; a being to inspire fear — not confidence. 

They were, from all accounts, an ill-assorted pair. The 
mild-mannered pastor found meager companionship in this 
uns3aiipathetic partner of his home, and sought in his reli- 
gious duties, and the fellowship of his flock, the happiness his 
own fireside denied him. 

In consequence, the redoubtable Mrs. James was allowed 
to conduct the domestic affairs of her family without much 
interference from the peaceable clergyman, and through her 
undisputed authority she succeeded in stamping more or less 
of her own remarkable character upon the children, of whom 
there were four, two boys and two girls. The elder of the 
latter died at the threshold of womanhood, and from all 
accounts was esteemed and loved by all who knew her, which 
is usually the case with people who die; but those of the 
children of this strange family with whom the country has 
become better acquainted, will hardly answer as models from 
which to draw any such conclusions. 

In 1850, won by the encouraging reports of a brother 
who had preceded him, the Rev. Robert James bade farewell 
to his family and his flock, and went to California on a pros- 
pecting tour, from which he never returned. Overtaken by 



OUTLAWS OP THE BORDER. 25 

death soon after his arrival there, he was laid to rest by 
strange hands, where the warm sun leaves her good-night 
kiss as she sinks in the Avestern sea. No graven stone points 
upward from his grave. Peacefully he sleeps where the dismal 
tidings of his sons' dark deeds cannot disturb his calm repose. 

This calamity, however, did not leave the family in any 
way destitute, as Mr. James had always been prudent and 
industrious; but the children were still very young, and the 
responsibilities of the widow were greatly increased. She 
now assumed by right the position of authority she had held so 
long by force, and it is greatly to the credit of this courage- 
ous and industrious woman that the children all received a 
good common school education and suitable preparation for 
respectable positions in life. 

During this time, in spite of her domineering manner and 
violent temper, Mrs. James appears to have possessed suffi- 
cient charms to draw around her a number of admirers with 
matrimonial intentions, and finally, after six years of loneli- 
ness, the widow accepted the gallant offer of one Dr. Reuben 
Samuels, a man of respectability and some means. They 
were married in 1857, near Kearney, Clay County, Missouri, 
and the bold Doctor was installed as the step-father of that 
promising brood, which, it is said, had already commenced 
to exhibit signs of those rebellious tendencies which afterward 
made them the terror and disgrace of the sunny South. 

Illustrative of the cruelty and viciousness of these embryo 
brigands marvelous stories are told, of which it is difficult to 
ascertain the truth. In these they are declared to have tor- 
tured dumb animals, cut off the ears and tails of dogs and 



26 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER 

cats, and Indulged in promiscuous wickedness of appalling 
character and extent. 

When a genius bursts from obscurity everybody suddenly 
remembers that he was always a genius. His commonest 
acts are all recalled and found to have portended a glorious 
future. When a Nero or a Borgia stands unmasked before 
the world, it is promptly remembered that they were 
always wicked. Their childhood is reviewed, and they 
are found to have killed more birds and flies when 
they were infants, than they could possibly have had 
any use for. Such things are usually very much exagger- 
ated, but one story concerning our heroes which seems to con- 
tain the elements of truth, informs us that while they were 
mere boys of thirteen and nine, they committed an act which 
indicated a degree of depravity hardly credible in such youth. 

A neighbor lad named Smithers, of about Frank's age, 
had at some time given these boys offense. They waited 
long for revenge, at last it came. They met the young 
offender one morning in the woods and proceeded to chastise 
him in a most inhuman manner. They beat him with clubs 
till he was completely helpless; then bound his hands and 
feet with thongs of bark, and threw him repeatedly 
into a stream near by, which was swollen by the cold Spring 
floods. When they had nearly drowned their victim, they 
tied him to a tree and left him to his fate, whatever it might 
be. It was night when a chance passer found the terrified lad 
and released him. Weeks of illness which nearly ended in 
death, followed the poor boy's escapade with these young 
ruffians. 



CHAPTER V. 

JOINING THE GUERRILLAS THE BOYS' SKILL WITH PISTOLS 

FRANK BECOMES A FOLLOWER OF QUANTRELL THE 

FEDERAL RAID ON THE FAMILY DR. SAMUELS HUNG 

JESSE THREATENED AND CHASTISED THE WOMEN 

ARRESTED — ^JESSE FOLLOWS HIS BROTHER AND BECOMES 
A GUERILLA. 

At an early age Frank and Jesse became familiar with 
the use of firearms. Dr. Samuels presented them each with 
a small shot gun, and possessing keen taste for that kind of 
sport, they soon became successful hunters. But the boys had 
heard and read of the exploits of the border scouts and their 
unerring skill with pistols. They soon obtained a pair of 
these, and commenced a lively and continuous practice, in 
which they gave early promise of that skill which afterward 
made of them such formidable foes, and secured them escape 
from perils which nothing but lightning quickness and fault- 
less accuracy with these weapons, could have averted. 

They became expert in shooting with either hand, and 
used to amuse themselves by riding at a gallop around a tree, 
the bridles between their teeth and a pistol in each hand, gird- 
ling the trunk with bullets. 

So did these boys, whose deadly skill in after years sent 
many a fellow-creature reeling into the presence of his God, 
practice their hands in sport. Such were the tastes and char- 



28 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

acters of Frank and Jesse James when the cry of war broke 
in wild utterance from lip to lip, and thrilled the land from 
Sumpter to the Golden Gate. 

The early incidents of that sad era are familiar to all. At 
last Quantrell appeared upon the scene. The stories of his 
daring deeds and strange adventures awoke wild fancies in 
many a youthful rebel. To young Frank James this reckless 
life had a j^eculiar charm. Would .Quantrell have him? Yes. 
That crafty fox had use for wolves and tigers. The hand 
that could send a bullet through heart or brain without a tre- 
mor, was welcome to a home with him, whose home was the 
broad plain, the swamp, the brake and the forest. And so 
one night in the spring of 1862 Frank James left the old farm 
and rode away to take his place under the Black Banner. 

It has often been urged that the ill-treatment of the fam- 
ily by the Federals impelled the James boys to their lawless 
course, but there is no evidence that the militia in any way 
Interfered with these people previous to the step taken by 
Frank, and the subsequent disloyal actions of the others. On 
the contrary it was this step, coupled with the aid and sym- 
pathy received through this family by the guerillas, which led 
to the summary treatment referred to. 

The Samuels were intensely in sympathy with the South. 
They openly reviled the institutions of the Government, 
and did not hesitate to express their hatred of the Federal 
soldiers. Their house had been the scene of many a secret 
conference of Quantrell and his men, who found in Mrs. 
Samuels a powerful and trusty ally. 

At last, tiring of this, and resolving to put an end to it, 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



39 




PORTRAITS OF FRANK AND JESSE JAMES, IN YOUTH. 



30 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

a. detachment of soldiers called at the house, and finding the 
Doctor in, they hung him to a tree near by, and not being 
able or anxious to find Mrs. S., they proceeded to where 
Jesse, then a lad of about sixteen, was plowing in a field. 

Jesse had often at the dead of night rode to the camp of 
Quantrell with the news of Federal plans and movements, 
and these soldiers came to request him not to do so again. 
This they did in a very impressive way, emphasizing their 
warning with oaths and threats of a sanguinary kind, and 
supposing they had impressed their wishes deeply enough 
upon the minds of the family, they departed. 

In the meantime Mrs. Samuels had stolen to where the 
unfortunate Doctor was hanging, and with some difficulty 
succeeded in cutting him down and carrying him back to the 
house, where with much labor and care he was finally re- 
stored to consciousness. 

Jesse, not intimidated by the warning he had received, 
continued to take his midnight rides to the guerilla camp. 
Not long, however. Hearing of this and of the Doctor's 
recovery, the militia made another raid on the Kearney farm. 
This time neither Jesse nor the Doctor could be found, but 
Mrs. Samuels and her daughter Susie were at home; these 
were put under arrest and conveyed to the jail at St. Joseph. 

This decided the fate of the James Brothers. Henceforth 
they were outlaws. Deliberately from the first they had fol- 
lowed a course which led to this result, and now the gates of 
civil life were closed against them, yet, it is in keeping with the 
inconsistency of their sympathizers, that they point to those acts 
of the militia as the cause of the desperate career of these bovs. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 3 1 

This can only arise from a determination to defend 
outlawry in the very face of truth and justice. Frank 
had openly become a guerilla before they had been molested 
by the soldiers, and then the " outrage " in question was pro- 
voked by tjie family, and came after — not before — the boys 
had declared their lawless intentions. Jesse had already 
asked tldmittance to the camp of the Confederate freebooters, 
but was refused because of his youth. The steps taken by 
the soldiers were the natural result of the violent opposition 
received from the family. To suppress the enemies of the 
Union was the object and duty of the Federal troops, and 
their treatment of these people was as gentle as their offenses 
merited. What their own side would have done is easy to 
imagine; what the guerillas always did in such cases is well 
known. 

The die was cast. His brother was a robber; his mother 
and sister in jail; their old home watched by armed foes; 
nothing was left young Jesse but the life he had longed to 
lead. He could share that with his brother; Quantrell would 
not refuse him now ; he was an outlaw, and Quantrell wanted 
outlaws. So in June — not long after Frank's departure — 
Jesse became a volunteer to that grim band, where at his 
brother's side he began the adventurous career which fills the 
pages of this book with such romantic interest. 

At this time Jesse was about sixteen years old, inclined 
to be tall and of slender frame. His eyes were dark brown; 
complexion fair. His face was round and jovial, with rather 
a pleasant expression. He was inclined to be merry, always 
loved a jest, and was free in conversation. Frank was the 



32 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



reverse in nearly every particular. He was older by four 
years; not so tall as Jesse, nor his face so engaging. His 
complexion was light; his eyes deep gray, wicked and rest- 
less. He was always a silent man, seldom smiled, and never 
jested. Later in life they both wore full beards, which con- 
cealed their identity from those who had formerly known 
them. 




CHAPTER VI. 
THE BLACK OATH. 

THE CEREMONY WHICH ACCOMPANIED IT. 

" Blood ! Blood will soothe my feelings ; blood — 

The blood of man ! And in its flow I care 

Not who shall fall, hoAv man}', nor how great! " 

The brutality of border warfare will live and speak here- 
after in tradition, though history were too proud to give it 
room upon her pages. To die in the front rank of a Gettys- 
burg, a Bull Run, or a Waterloo, is deemed the bravest act, 
the noblest deed in the 'story of the world ; to fall in a minor 
battle is something less of an honor; but to be shot down as a 
border sentinel, guarding his lonely post under the stars is the 
consummation of an ill-starred destiny, fitting only for a 
poet's song. And the baseness of ambushed assassins, who 
feed a passion for blood and revenge, or wreak an individual 
spite under the pretext of " patriotism ; " the conduct of those 
sunken specimens of men, whose generic name were better 
spelled "gorilla" than "guerilla," can never be properly por- 
trayed — it must be imagined. 

Missouri was the home and hot-bed of this class through 
many years, before and after the war. Their hatred, enmity 
and ignorant superstition, were mingled with a chaos of 
opposing governmental ideas, a mass of conflicting political 
notions, which at last took shape in arms. It was truly " The 
3 33 



34 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

Dark and Bloody Ground of the West." There, riding from 
dayliglit till dark, from midnight till noonday, and on into 
midnight again, shooting right and left at public and i^rivate 
enemies, the guerilla bands plundered the dead, taunted the 
dying, and murdered opposition wherever it rose up. Stop- 
ping only to demand meals and horse feed, they often rode 
and fought till nature's check, fatigue, compelled a halt. 

The common ground of these parasites of war was along 
the Kansas border and in the Missouri counties of Johnson, 
Henry, Lafayette, Jackson, Platte and Clay. From these 
districts their raids and stopping places reached to Mexico 
and the Gulf, and east to Virginia. 

As has been said, Quantrell was their chief. He was a 
cool, sagacious ruler of men. His cunning, braver}' and mil- 
itary tact were soon recognized, and as if by instinct, these des- 
perate spirits acknowledged allegiance to the King of Rob- 
bers. In his management of them his methods were brief 
and direct. He knew that to be successful a leader must 
lead — and his followers must follow. To control such char- 
acters rigid laws were necessary, and to make these as impres- 
sive and binding as possible, he framed them into an oath^ 
which finally came to be known as " The Black Oath," and 
to whatever may be said in ridicule of this means of binding 
lawless men, there is but one answer: No man ever broke 
the Black Oath. Its terrible words, together with the solemn 
rites with which it was always administered, seemed to sink 
deep enough into the hardened souls of those men to reach 
that germ of honor which it is said is never wholly destroyed, 
even in the most depraved. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



35 



It was never administered except when the light of day 
had faded from earth and sky. Then, in the presence of 
armed witnesses, and surrounded by every emblem of danger 
and death that could be brought to deck the dismal cere- 
mony, the candidate for membership to those grim ranks was 
led forth and sworn in as follows: 

"In the name of God and the Devil, the one to punish and 
the other to reward, and by the powers of light and darkness, 
good and evil, here under the black arch of Heaven's aveng- 
ing symbol, I pledge and consecrate my heart, my brain, my 
body and my limbs, and swear by all the powers of hell and 
heaven, to devote my life to obedience to iwy superiors; that 
no danger or peril shall deter me from executing their orders ; 
that I will exert every possible means in my power for the 
extermination of Federals, Jay-hawkers and their abettors; 
that in fighting those whose serpent trail has winnowed the 
fair fields and 2DOssessions of our allies and sympathizers, I will 
show no mercy, but strike with an avenging arm, so long as 
breath remains. 

" I further pledge my heart, my brain, my body and my 
limbs, never to betray a comrade; that I will submit to all 
the tortures cunning mankind can inflict, and suflfer the most 
horrible death, rather than reveal a single secret of this organ- 
ization, or a single word of this, my oath. 

" I further pledge my heart, my brain, my body and my 
limbs, never to forsake a comrade when there is hope, even at 
the risk of great peril, of saving him from falling into the 
hands of our enemies; that I will sustain Quantrell's guerillas 
with my might and defend them with my blood, and, if need 



36 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 




THE BLACK FLAG. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 37 

be, die with them ; in every extremity I will never withhold 
my aid, nor abandon the cause with which I now cast my 
fortunes, my honor, and my life. Before violating a single 
clause or implied pledge of this obligation, I will pray to an 
avenging God and an unmerciful devil to tear out my heart 
and roast it over the flames of sulphur; that my head may be 
split open and my brains scattered over the earth; that my 
body may be ripped up and my bowels torn out and fed to 
carrion birds; that each of my limbs may be broken with 
stones, and then cut off, by inches, that they may feed the 
foulest birds of the air; and, lastly, may my soul be given 
unto torment, that it may be submerged in melted metal and 
be stifled by the fumes of hell, and ma}^ this punishment be 
meted out to me through all eternity, in the name of God and 
devil. Amen." 

At the conclusion the new guerilla was turned successively 
to the East, West, North and South; four masked men in 
black came forward and presented swords at his head, heart 
and feet, while other weird exercises were performed around 
him. A salute of pistol shots closed the strange ceremony, 
and the elected was declared a member, and admitted to the 
fellowship of a company whose manners and customs may be 
imagined from the character of the oath which bound them. 

With that oath graven deep upon their young minds, 
Frank and Jesse James entered upon their dark careers. 



CHAPTER VII. 

ACTIVE SERVICE THE FIRST FIGHT CAPTURE OF THE 

RICHFIELD GARRISON FRANK AND JESSE IN THE FIELD 

A MIDNIGHT VISIT TO THE OLD HOME THE MOTHER's 

RECEPTION "ON TO PLATTSBURG" ANOTHER VICTORY 

TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS CAPTURED — FRANk's 

SHARE OF HE SPOILS A GROTESQUE ENDING TO AN 

EXCITING DAY. 

It was not long after Jesse joined the guerillas that he got' 
a taste of active service. Up to this time there seems to 
have been no serious encounter between the guerillas and the 
Federals. At last Quantrell sent a detachment of twelve men 
under Captain Scott to attack Richfield, a small Federal sta- 
tion on the north side of the Missouri River. 

Frank and Jesse were among the ones selected to go with 
Scott. At this time Frank seems to have already distin- 
guished himself among his companions, for we find that he 
was chosen by the Captain to lead the attack. 

Richfield was garrisoned by about thirty soldiers, under 
command of Captain Sessions of the Federal State Militia. 
A desperate fight ensued, but the courage and unerring skill 
of the assailants made short work of it. Captain Sessions and 
Lieutenant Graflfenstein were killed by the first volley, and 
soon the little garrison fell into the hands of these intrepid 
Warriors of the bush. Twelve in all of the Federals were 

3« 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 39 

killed; the balance, numbering about eighteen, surrendered 
and were paroled. The guerillas did not lose a man; the 
surprise was complete. This was the initial contest between 
the Federal troops and the partizans on the Missouri border, 
and the greatest excitement followed that bold sortie. 

That same day Scott moved back into Clay county. 
Here Jesse was detailed as a scout, and the performance of 
his dut}^ in that capacit}'- allowed him to visit his old home 
again. It was not yet day when, after a long ride through 
wood and swamp, he rapped at the door of his mother's 
house. She was at home, and welcomed her son as the 
Spartan mothers welcomed their soldier sons; not to a life of 
peace and safety, but only to applaud their valiant deeds and 
send them back to victory or gory graves. 

Mrs. Samuels was proud of her brave boy. She had 
rather seen him laid lifeless at her feet, a hero, than have 
known him safe, a refugee from danger. Besides, she had 
information of an important character which must be taken 
to Quantrell. She had learned, no one knew how, that the 
Federals were preparing a surprise for the guerillas. Infuri- 
ated by the attack on Richfield, the militia had determined 
to end partizan warfare in that section, and were concen- 
trating forces for that purpose. The garrison at Plattsburg 
had been withdrawn, and detailed to hunt the guerillas, 
leaving that post for the time defenceless. It was this the 
redoubtable mother wanted conveyed to the guerilla camp. 

Stealthily as he came, young Jesse retraced his way 
to the hiding place of Scott and his men; the information was 
joyfully recited and received. "On to Plattsburg!" was the 



40 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

cry of all. Here was a chance for the guerillas to capture 
a Federal stronghold while its defenders were out on a 
fruitless search for them. The little band at once broke 
camp, and cautiously took their way to the deserted post. 

Long before daylight, the third morning after the 
raid on Richfield, Scott and his followers halted within 
four miles of Plattsburg. Here, in the shadow of a 
deep forest, they lay concealed till evening, when the scouts 
returned with information confirming that given by Mrs. 
Samuels. Capt. Rodgers had gone out to capture Scott, and 
only a small guard remained in charge at the court house. 
The officer left in command was a lieutenant, and, at the time 
the guerillas rode yelling into the square, he w^s out in town,* 
and had not time to rejoin his men. In his attempt to do this, 
he was intercepted by Frank James, who promptly took him 
prisoner, and conducted him to Captain Scott. 

In the meantime the raiders were not having it all their 
own way. The guard on duty at the court house immedi- 
ately fortified themselves in the building, and were vigorously 
defending their position, when Frank arrived with his 
prisoner. Taking in the situation at a glance, he pointed to 
the captured lieutenant, and called out to Scott, "Captain, 
shoot that man unless he gives up the court house! " 

With an oath the captain swore he would do it, and pro- 
ceeded toward making his word good, when the prisoner 
yielded, and commanded his men to surrender, which, owing 
to the situation of the lieutenant, they consented to do. 

Two hundred muskets were captured at this victory, 
and considerable money and property stolen and de- 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 41 

stroyed. The citizens fled or concealed themselves at sight 
of these wild fellows, and left them to pillage the town at 
pleasure. This of course they cheerfully did, securing twelve 
thousand dollars in Union Defense Warrants, besides a large 
quantity of clothmg, and other valuable property, which 
according to the rules of these freebooters, was divided among 
the band. 

Frank's share of this was one thousand dollars; his first 
reprisal. It was more than he had ever dreamed of possess- 
ing. If nothing else had fired his heart with love for this 
free life, the spoils it promised now to its bold votaries was 
enough. 

That day of victory closed with a festive night. The 
bandits, whose precarious life gave meager opportunity for 
the enjoyment of necessaries and less for luxuries, now 
decided to " live high " for a little while. They ordered a 
banquet spread at the hotel; the prisoners were paroled and 
invited to the board, and shared the festivities with some show 
of good humor. Supper over, the convivial party mounted 
their horses and disappeared with their booty. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

A CARNIVAL OF CRIME — QUANTRELL ORDERS A CHANGE 

OF POSITION KEEPING IN PRACTICE THE COUNCIL — 

QUANTRELL's SPEECH THE MARCH TO LAWRENCE. 

On the return of Scott and his men to camp, Quantrell 
ordered a change of position. It was a principle of his to 
move often, no matter what appearance of safety his position 
might have. This time he moved to the southward, and made 
a brief stay in the Blackwater Valley, a region where a most 
deplorable state of affairs existed. The scene of numerous 
conflicts, it had been from the first exposed to the ravages of 
both armiesj and now had little to offer to freebooters. So 
after a short stay here they began to cast about for fatter 
fields, where valor could secure them something more tangi- 
ble than "revenofe." They wanted revenge, but they couldn't 
afford to be paid entirely in that; so they decided to go where 
they could get at least half cash. However, the time had not 
bden vainly spent. The boys had kept their hands in prac- 
tice. The crack of the pistol could be heard at all hours; 
every day yielded victims to the faultless aim of these fine 
marksmen. Of course the James boys were busy; such work 
for them had all the charms of sport. They shot men down 
forfu7i. A reign of the most abject terror prevailed. The 
possession of money was a passport to the grave; the coun- 
try was under guerilla rule; the rule was: "Your money and 

4- 



44 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 

your life." So when the order to move again was received, 
there was not a man among this lawless band who was not 
fitted for desperate service in any form. Single handed mur- 
der or \vholesale slaughter, it mattered not; they were pre- 
pared for it. If possible they were more daring, more 
brutal, more desperate than before, and now the announce- 
ment that they were about to enter upon a campaign of more 
activity, was hailed with universal joy. 

They were to capture and sack the city of Lawrence and 
massacre its male inhabitants. The enterprise was a perilous 
one. Even Quantrell paused before such a risk of life. He 
called a council of his boldest men, and candidly laid before * 
them all the dangers that threatened the attempt, and these he 
did not try to underestimate. The worst was unflinchingly 
considered and discussed. It was a strange conference held 
there that night in that gloomy Southern forest, with wild 
beasts for sentinels and the camp-fire painting its ghastly 
tints on faces thoughtful with their weight of crime. It was 
important, too. Many lives and the fate of a city hung on the 
decision of these grim councillors. Among those present were 
George and Oil Shepherd, Cole Younger and Frank James. 

The council agreed with Quantrell in the resolve to attack 
Lawrence, a thriving little city on the Kaw River. But 
before deciding the question fully, Quantrell called all his fol- 
lowers together and announced his intention to them, laid 
before them all the obstacles likely to impede their progress, 
explained that the country through which they must march 
w^s full of enemies, through whom they would have to liter- 
ally carve their way. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



45 



"And now," said Quantrell, " I know that not a man 
among you fears a foe. Your past is proof enough of this; 
but you have nevdl* experienced such danger before, and it is 
without impugning your courage that I warn you of the per- 
ils that beset this step, and I respectfully say to you, that all 
who would rather not take the risk ^vhich this expedition 
must impose, may honorably withdraw from it now." 

The only response which greeted this sjDcech was, " On to 
Lawrence!" The cry burst simultaneously from every Hjd, 
and echoed away into the silent night, till hill and cave and 
rocky glen woke from their slumber at the startling sound, 
and muttered o'er those ominous words, " On to Lawrence! " 

At daybreak on the following morning two hundred 
guerillas, under the boldest of leaders, rode gaily away to the 
darkest, crudest, bloodiest deeds the records of warfare can 
show. Away they rode on a mission which in success or 
failure must bring sorrow to many an innocent heart. 

The history of the next few days is appalling. The route 
to Lawrence was marked with every description of outrage. 
When within about twenty miles of the city they came upon 
three men at work on a house which had been partially 
destroyed. It was the work of soldiers. Stock and proven- 
der had all been taken ; nothing had been spared but the lives 
of the family, and at what cost these were saved, only they 
could tell. A woman sat in the doorway nursing a sick child; 
the whole place, which bore some traces of having once been 
a pleasant home for a once happy family, was now a picture 
of desolation. 

But the guerillas had learned to laugh at sorrow. They 



4.6 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

had cultivated a power over natural sympathies by which 
they could look upon ruin, and add to it, without remorse. 
They compelled these men to leave their plague-stricken 
home and go with them as guides. In vain they begged 
their captors to permit one of them to remain with the mother 
and child. They explained that they were destitute, and 
would suffer severely unless some one was left to take care 
of them. They were told that the mother and child would 
be taken care of, and with no other alternative but to obey, 
the three men left their ruined home and its frightened occu- 
pants in charge of two of the company detailed to remain 
there as guards against possible followers, and led the way for^ 
that heartless horde toward the fated city. 

When the company had got out of sight, the two 
"guards" who had been left in charge of the family came 
forward and shot the child and its mother, and hurried on 
after their companions. It was a principle of Quantrell's to 
leave no person alive with information which could possibly 
be used to his injury, and the knowledge of the direction 
taken by the guerillas, marked that poor woman for the com- 
mon fate of all who crossed the path of Quantrell. 

The three men fiaithfully led the band to within seven or 
eight miles of Lawrence, and supposing their task completed, 
asked to be allowed to return. But the guerillas were not done 
with them yet. They were in possession of some of Quantrell's 
designs, and they could not go back with these; so they wxre 
taken aside into a thicket and shot down, with their prayers 
and entreaties on their lips, because, as Quantrell said, " Dead 
men tell no tales." 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. ^.y 



Two of the party were brothers; the other their father. 
The boys were killed first and fell at the old man's feet. He 
plead piteously for his life: " Only," he said, " that he might 
go back and take care of his poor boy's wife and child." 
But they silenced him with bullets and left him with the rest, 
to keep their secret. 

Up to this time they had met with. none of the resistance 
which Quantrell had predicted, and which they all had ex- 
pected. No obstacle had checked their stejDs since they started ; 
no foe had yet thrust a barrier in their way; not an enemy had 
appeared along the route. True, they had avoided roads and 
public places as much as possible, had cut across through 
fields and byways, and there they left no one to tell the direc- 
tion they took; no one had passed them; they killed every 
one they met. 




CHAPTER IX. 

DE5»1'lTUCTION OF LAWRENCE A DAY OF RUIN AND DEATH 

THE GUERILLAS AT WORK WITH SWORD AND TORCH 

A minister's reminiscence of the dreadful day. 

Tht) next morning, just as Lawrence was waking from 
the sleep of a summer night, before the sun had cast a beam 
on spire or tree, with a yell that might have woke the dead, 
the guerillas dashed into the silent streets. Men started from* 
their beds bewildered and confused, and met death at the 
threshold unannounced. The crack of pistols, the groans of 
dying men, the screams of frightened women and children, 
mingled with the oaths and yells of fiends, were the only 
sounds to be heard. The beautiful city of Lawrence had be- 
come a pandemonium, an arena where wild beasts were 
unloosed among men and women and children. The " Black 
Flag " unfurled its sombre coils, and darted here and there 
along the streets like a great bird of ill omen. The people 
saw it and read their doom in that dark ensign of the grave. 

There had long been an understanding in Lawrence that 
the fire bell should be rung as an alarm at the approach of 
enemies, but the raid of Quantrell was a complete surprise, 
and when the bell pealed out its tardy warning the arsenal 
was captured and in flames. 

There was little resistance; it was too late. On they 
came, a resistless tide, with horrible yells and frightful oaths, 

48 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER 49 

and shots that never missed. Men sank down at every turn — 
at every door — before their deadly aim. Women and chil- 
dren who tried to escape through alleys and by-ways were 
shot like quails by the howling pack. Some, wounded, crept 
back to their homes for shelter, only to perish in the flames 
when the ruthless fiends ajDplied the torch. 

They shot every man they found, robbed wherever they 
found anything worth taking, and destroyed what they could 
not carry away. Saloons yielded their share of the spoils, 
and many of the pillagers drank without restraint, and when 
night came and spread her mantle over the ghastly scene, that 
band of robbers had become a mob of drunken roysterers, 
Quantrell saw this, and realized their danger. His head was 
always cool. He let no 

" Thief inlo his mouth 
To steal away his brains." 

Quantrell never drank, and noVv carefully he gathered his scat- 
tered band together, and ordered a retreat. Those lawless 
spirits, who wore no other check upon their will, ever gave 
blind obedience to Quantrell's commands, no matter when 
nor where, and even now through their deadened senses and 
clouded intellects, the sound of his voice broke with an author- 
ity they dared not disregard. As tigers crouch at the word 
of their keeper, those bloodthirsty creatures obeyed the beck 
and call of their chief, and by the light of the burning city, 
with no music but the piteous cries and groans of their helpless 
victims, the band of rollicking savages rode carelessly away, 
leaving the flames to consume what they had not stolen or 
dcstro^^ed. ^ 



^o OUTLAWS OF THE BOEDER. 

It was a terrible day's Nvork. How many lives were lost 
ill that brief space of time has never been ascertained, but 
when morning came again the beautiful city of Lawrence 
had been swept from the earth. Only a few stray buildings 
and a desert of smoking ruins marked the spot where yester- 
day was life, and industry, and happiness. 

All through that work of desolation and death the James 
Brothers held conspicuous places. Their hands never fal- 
tered; their aim never failed. How many lives they took 
that day they never knew; tkey took all they found. 

REV. DR. fisher's EXPERIENCE. 

The following from the Cincinnati Gazette was related 
by Rev. Dr. Fisher, at a Methodist Preachers' meeting in 
that city: 

" I was always an anti-slavery man of the most 'anti' kind, 
and after I moved to Kansas, without any prominence having 
been given to my sentiments by myself, I found myself the 
object of the most vindictive hatred of the pro-slavery party 
of the region where I resided. My life was unsuccessfully 
sought several times. When the war broke out I went as a 
chaplain. Most of the male members of my church went to 
the war, and I went as one of Jim Lane's chaplains. 

" The news of my connection with the army, and of my 
being put in charge of contrabands who were sent to Kansas, 
got abroad, and the rebels hated me worse than ever. They 
got my photograph and distributed it throughout the country, 
and it was fixed among them that I was to be shot whenever 
met. Once when I was sent up the river with a body of con- 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 51 

trabands, not being well, I went home for a little rest. I was 
living at Lawrence. The town had a few guns in the armory, 
and there was an understanding with the farmers of the sur- 
rounding country that upon the ringing of an alarm, they 
should come in and defend the town, but the coming of Quan- 
trell and his men was a complete surprise. When the alarm 
was rung the arsenal was already captured and on fire. I 
was in bed, and heard, about 3 o'clock in the morning, horses 
galloping very rapidly away, and woke my wife, telling her 
that it was singular that horses should be galloping so fast so 
early in the morning; but she said she guessed it was some 
farmers who had been to a railroad meeting the evening be- 
fore, and were hurrying back to their work. We lay and 
talked for some time. The children were going out that 
morning to get some grapes, and my wife thought she would 
call them earlier than usual, and herein, brethren, I see the 
hand of Providence. It was not yet daylight, but day was 
dawning. Having called the children, she went and looked 
out of the front door, and instantly called me: 'Pa, the Rebels 
are In town.' I said that could not be; but nevertheless, I 
sprang from the bed and ran to the door. 

" There they were just across the green, and just then they 
shot the United Brethren preacher, as he was milking his cow 
In his barn-yard. I rushed back into the house; my wife 
caught up her babe; I have four boys; one was on my wife's 
breast, another was by her side, and the two oldest were 
twelve and fourteen years old. We all rushed up the lot In 
which our house stood. Then I left my wife, and with the 
two oldest boys ran up the hill, but something seemed to tell 



5- 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



me that I was running away from safety. So I told the boys 
to run on, and I would go back to mother. It was then in 
the gray light of morning, and the Rebels had divided into 
little squads and were ransacking the town, killing every man 
they found, and burning houses. My boys separated, the 
oldest getting with a neighbor's boy, Robert Winton, and 
while the two were running for life the soldiers saw them and 
fired a volley, killing poor Bobby, and frightening my boy al- 
most to death. He ran in and hid among some graves in the 
graveyard. My younger son ran off on the prairie. 

" In fixing my cellar I had thrown wp a bank of earth near 
the entrance, and I crept down there and laid ndyself between 
the mound of earth and the wall in such a way that the earth 
would partially screen me. I la)^ up close to the kitchen floor. 
I had not been there long, when four of Quantrell's men rode 
up to the house and demanded admittance. My wife went to 
the front door and let them in. They demanded whether I 
was not in the house or in the cellar. She replied: ' My hus- 
band and two oldest boys ran off as soon as the firing began.' 
The leader swore that he knew I was in the cellar. My wife 
replied that she had two young children by her, and that she 
did not want any more oaths uttered before them. ' You have 
doubted my word,' she replied, '• you can look for yourselves.' 
I lay so near the floor that I could hear every word that was 
said. The men called for a candle. 

" My wife replied that we did not burn candles. Then they 
wanted a lantern, but she said we hadn't any. They asked 
then with an oath, what we did for a light. She replied that 
we burned kerosene in a lamp. Then they called for a lamp, 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 53 

and my wife had to s^et it, but the men in their eagerness to 
lig-ht it, turned the wick down in the oil. Failing to light it 
themselves, they called on my wife to light it. 

"'Why, you've ruined the lamp,' said she; 'it can't be 
lighted with the wick down in the oil.' 

'"Haven't you another lamp?' said thev. 

" ' Yes, there's one up stairs,' said she, and they then ordered 
her to go and get it. 

" ' Gentlemen,' said she, ' I can't do it. Your rudeness has 
so frightened me that I can scarcel}- hold my babe.' 

" One of the men then offered to hold it for her, and took 
it from her arms. My poor wife then went and got the lamp, 
which they lighted, and started on their search. They all 
cocked their revolvers and passed the word to kill me at 
sight, and started for the cellar. I laid myself as flat as I 
could, and turned my face toward the wall, for I knew my 
face was thinnest from ear to ear. The light came to-the 
door. 

" I tell 3'ou, brethren, I just quit living. You have heard 
it said that when a man is drowning all his past life comes up 
before him." 

The speaker's voice trembled ; his eyes became suffused, 
and his whole frame shook with suppressed emotion, as he 
continued.* " I stood then before the judgment seat. I was a 
dead man. My heart ceased to beat. I already stood before 
my Judge. Brethren, what could I do, but just trust myself 
to the Lord? 

" The man who carried the light w^as tall, and providen- 
tially stooped so low in entering the cellar that the light shin- 



54 OUTLAiyS OF THE BORDER. 

ing against the bank of earth, threw a shadow over me. 
They searched the cellar, but did not find me, and went back 
up stairs. My wife afterward told me that when the men 
went down in the cellar, she took her babe and went into the 
parlor, and stood there holding her hand against one ear., and 
her babe against the other, expecting every moment to hear 
the report of the revolvers in the cellar, announcing the death 
of her husband. 

" The soldiers set fire to the house in several places, and 
leaving one of their number to prevent my wife from putting 
it out, departed. The man seemed to be touched with pity, 
and told her that if she wanted to save some furniture i>e 
would help her. M}^ wife thinks that holding the babe in his 
arms touched his heart. She pleaded with him if he had any 
consideration for her helpless children to leave the house and 
let her put out the fire. He consented and left. 

" My wife then came to me and asked whether it was all 
right between me and God. ' I am afraid they will come 
back and kill 3'ou yet, and it will be the greatest comfort to 
know that you felt prepared to die.' 

" I told her that I felt that I was prepared to die. 

" Telling me to pray, she left me. It was not long before 
another party of Quantrell's men came, and in drunken tones 
— for the marauders had become intoxicated by this time — 
demanded whether I was in the house. 

" ' Do you suppose,' said my wife, confidently, ' that he 
would stay here, and you shooting and burning all over town ? 
No; he left this morning as soon as the firing commenced, 
and unless some of you have shot him and killed him outside, 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



55 



he is safe. Some of your men were here this morning- and 
searched the house. However, you may look for yourselves.' 
" In this Vv^ay she bluffed them. They set fire to the house, 
and left one, who drew his revolver on my wife, and said he 
would kill her if she tried to put it out. He staid till the 
liouse was so far consumed that there was no possibility of 
saving it. Isly wife pulled up a carpet, and, taking it to the 
yard, dropped it accidentally by the door. 

" My wife was afraid, and so was I, that I would be 
burned alive, for I had now no thought of doing anything 
but what my wife told me. The floor was on fire almost 
over me, and the flames were creeping nearer. M}^ wife stood 
and threw water, pail after pail, on the floor, and was doing 
this when a neighbor, a Catholic woman, came and said: 
"'Why, Mrs. Fisher, what are you doing? What good will 
it be to save that floor? Besides, you can't save it.' 

" ' I don't care what good it will do,' replied my wife, ' I 
am going to keep on wetting that floor.' 

" But finally, when she saw she could not save it, she 
asked the neighbor whether she could keep a secret. She 
then swore her by the Virgin Mary never to reveal it. 

" ' Well, then,' said my wife, ' my husband is under that 
floor.' 

" The soldiers were still everywhere, shooting and burning, 
and the air was filled with the shrieks of wounded and dying 
men, the wailings of widows and orphans, and the sound of 
falhng buildings. My wife then called me to come out, and 
threw a dress over my shoulders. The two women picked 
up the carpet, and I crawled under it between them, and so 



56 OL^TL All's OF THE BORDER. 

we proceeded to a small bush about four feet hio^h, out in the 
yard. 

" There my wife saw four soldiers ready to fire. They 
were not a hundred yards off. Then, for the first time, the 
poor woman. despaired. A pang then shot to her heart, and 
she gave up all for lost. Nevertheless, I slunk under the bush, 
and they threw the carpet over me. 

" ' Save the chairs! ' cried my wife; and tliey rushed to 
where the chairs were piled, close to the burning building, and 
ran with them and flung them carelessly upon mc, and piled 
up all that was saved of our household goods about me. The 
soldiers evidently thought the pile only a lot of household 
furniture, and left it unmolested. 

" I staid there till two hours after they left, and then gath- 
ered my wife and my i^our children — for the two boys had 
come back — and in the garden we knelt and thanked God for 
deliverance. Brethren, you don't know what it is to be 
thankful." 




CHAPTER X. 

THE RETREAT A RECORD OF HARDSHIP AND DANGER 

GEXERAE EWING's ORDER. 

The prime motive for the attack on Lawrence is now 
admitted b}' many who took part in it to have been to secure 
some of the wealth which was known to be stored there by 
its industrious and thrifty inhabitants. It is asserted that over 
a milHon and a half dollars in money and valuables were 
taken away by the guerillas in their retreat from that place. 
But what a retreat it was! Foes harassed them at every 
step, villagers and militiamen met them wherever they turned. 
For six long days and nights they rode and fought with no 
rest, and little food. The news of their terrible work' soon 
spread over the country. General Ewing prompth' issued 
an order commanding all male citizens over eighteen years 
old, in the counties of Bates, Vernon, and Cass, to leave 
everything and report immediately for service to the nearest 
military post. In consequence the Federal force in those 
localities soon swelled, and Quantrell found as he had prophe- 
sied, a wall of enemies hedging him in. The situation wjis 
truly desjDcrate; nothing but ceaseless vigilance and exhaust- 
less cunning and endurance could have saved the band from 
total destruction; only Quantrell could have led them frcrtn the 
grasp of the myriad-handed monster which threatened hourly 
to crush them. 

57 



5^ 



OC/'^LAIVS OF THE BORDER. 



Before they had gone more than fifteen miles they were 
compelled to make a stand and defend themselves against 
their pursuers. They took refuge in a large barn which 
offered them temjiorary protection, and from this position 
stubbornly resisted the most determined efforts to dislodge 
them. After repeated assaults had been vainly made the as- 
sailants prepared to burn the barn, but discovering this in time 
Quautrell ranged his men in order and made a sudden and 
desperate charge, in which about seventy militiamen were 
killed and wounded, and the rest thrown Into disorder, from 
v/hich they did not rally until the guerillas had reached their 
horses and got well away on their retreat. 

Time was too precious to follow up temporary advantages. 
The neighborhood was becoming rapidly unhealthful; militia- 
men were hourly swarming closer and closer upon their track, 
and minutes had grown too valuable to waste in revenge; 
they abandoned that now in their race for life. 

Further on near Spring Hill they encountered a company 
of about three hundred men mounted and armed, awaiting 
tlieir approach. But the name of Quantrell, or the sight of 
his rough looking followers, discouraged the valiant company, 
and they promptly got out of the way and let the guerillas 
pass on. Had they staid and contested the field, with the 
fiitigued and shattered band whom they greatly outnumbered, 
they could either have beaten them or held them at bay till 
reinforcements arrived. But they were not sure they could 
do it, and refused to experiment, so Quantrell, like the famous 
knight of whom it is said: 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. ^i^j 



" Men went down before his spear 
At the mere motion of the man 
Knowing 'twas Lancelot," 

continued his perilous retreat. 

It was as Quantrell had said, they had to carve their way 
through a wall of enemies, and many who went so gaily to 
the work of slaughter, were left on the way the prey of wolves 
and carrion birds. At last, finding the coils of destruction 
gathering closer about them, the guerillas disbanded as the 
safest means of escaping their pursuers, each taking the way 
he thought best, and relying upon his own cunning and prow- 
ess to bear him through the dangers that hedged them in. 
This rendered a general pursuit impossible, and finally, aftei- 
many hardships and perils, the survivors reached their old 
haunts in Missouri, and once more were gathered under the 
old flag, again pursuing their work of ruin and death. But 
the spoils of that terrible day had rapidly melted; some was 
left with those who fell in their desperate retreat and much 
was abandoned by the others when hardest pressed, so that 
when they arrived at the appointed rendezvous the total of 
their booty amounted to less than $200,000. 

Thus perished the city of Lawrence, and ended the pur- 
suit of her desolators, and in the incidents of that dark crime 
the thoughtful may find matter for reflection. Here is evi- 
dence which contradicts the ancient theory that vice and 
cruelty are the insignia of cowardice. The theory is wrong. 
We wish it were not; it is always so gratifying to think of 
wickedness as being cowardly, and virtue as being brave, but 
it is an error, and the world was never benefited by worship- 



6o OUTLAWS OF THE BORDEN. 

Ing its errors, no matter what morals they may appear to teach. 
Those men were not deceived into the dangers they faced; 
they had weighed them all before, and expecting the worst, 
rode out to meet it. Yet they were murderers and incendia- 
ries. On the other hand, the three hundred militiamen they 
met at vSpring Hill were good men; they were recruited from 
respectable positions, and may have all belonged to Sunday- 
school, but they were afraid. Virtue is not always valiant; 
vice is sometimes brave; there should be something more than 
cowardice to condemn a man, and more than bravery to rec- 
ommend him. When this is universally understood there 
will be less hero worship and false sentiment; and even wo- 
men will look beyond a gallant swagger in judging men. 




CHAPTER XI. 

The frequent and unexpected disbandments of the guer- 
illas taught them a self-reliance and independence which in- 
spired fear wherever their names were sounded. 

Coming out from their hiding places in the early part of 
July, 1863, ^^^^y followed Captain George Todd, a notorious 
guerilla chief, galloping down the Blue Springs Road from 
Pleasant Hill. Frank and Jesse James had often- fought with 
Todd, and were now bent upon another bloody rampage. 
They were well rested up and were returning to their old 
sport, seeking whom they might slay, like a hungry wolf after 
unsuspecting sheep. They did not ride far before they ran into 
a Federal cavalry force under Major Ransom. An im- 
mediate and intense battle was the only possible result, for on 
the one side were patriotic and fearless cavalry riders, and on 
the other mounted guerillas, sworn in body and soul, numbers 
and mind, to 

" Strike — till the last armed foe expires!" 

And the straight aim of the James Boys and their comrades 
who were not far belov/ them in marksmanship, was dread- 
fully fatal to the Federal ranks. The guerillas never shot 
without taking aim, and seldom missed, if their weapons were 
true. In this collision Jesse James killed seven men and 
Frank eight — they kept an accurate count, to see who could 

61 



62 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

slay the most men; or, in a savage way, to see who could have 
the fullest tent of scalps. 

Four or five miles east of Wellington, in Lafayette county, 
was a lecherous den much frequented by militiamen. One 
night Frank James and half a dozen of his comrades were 
sent to destroy the place and make short work of the militia- 
men. The company proceeded, Frank James scouting 
along in advance of the rest. Creeping up to the window 
he saw eleven men in the house, and immediately returned to 
make his report. A pistol shot served as a quick summons 
for the militiamen to come out into the yard. The 
guerillas rode up and a double round of bullets from their^ 
guns dispatched ten of the men. They fell to the earth and 
their bodies were counted in death. But the eleventh man 
v/as nowhere to be seen, and the closest search failed to reveal 
him. But surely he could not be far away, for Frank James 
had taken an accurate memorandum and he certainly saw 
eleven men in the house not long before. 

Another careful investigation revealed the fact that there 
was one more woman in the camp than formerly. But 
which one of the women was the extra one, was the question. 
Each of them had feminine features and long hair. Finally 
a candle was procured, and Frank James discovered the elev- 
enth man clothed in feminine attire. He was a youth of 
about sixteen, with bright blue eyes and a clear skin, while 
his dark brown hair hung to his shoulders, and in the proper 
dress, with his reg^ilar features, he would pass for a young 
country girl very easily at night, in the hazv moonlight, or 
even under the flickerinsr ravs of a candle, ordinarilv. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



63 



But the guerillas were not to be fooled with, and with a 
unanimous consent of the band the leader said, "Here, Frank, 
take him, — finders are keepers. You discovered him; he's 
yours to deal with." 

The boy realized his situation, but was almost speechless 
with fear. In dread and anguish, and wailing, the women 
pleaded for his life. Were not ten dead faces upturned to the 
sky enough to complete the ghastly picture? No! They must 
have the face of the girlish youth for a keystone to the arch I 
" Come along here, young man," said Frank James, start- 
ing down the road. " Come along here and be shot, and 
when you get to the other world, tell them that you had the 
honor to be sent there by the weapon of Frank James." 

" Oh, spare me for my mother's sake!" cried the boy, fall- 
ing on his knees, while the tears streamed down his cheeks. 
"Come, march on," said James, with an oath; "I've not 
time to waste on such spring chickens as you! " 

The fate of the lad was inevitable; and coming, too, befoi'e 
he had scarcely begun to realize that he existed. He was in 
the vigor of youth, healthy but not robust, at that period of 
life when longevity is most cherished, and death is most ter- 
rible. His short life had been spent without any achieve- 
ments; and he vividly realized that he ^vas to meet a quick 
and unmerciful end, without remembrance, and to have been 
born to no purpose. Alas! ill-f>ited youth! He thought of 
home and mother, of every one who thought of him ; of all 
he had, or all he hoped to be, and then of home and mother 
again. 

All this came upon him with the quickness of thought. 



64 



OU7LAH\S OF THE BORDER, 



Trembling in ever}^ nerve, he suffered many deaths from 
fright, in a very brief space. So weak was he that he could 
hardly walk. But Frank James aided him down the steps, 
and hurried him past the ghostly pile of his comrades, into the 
darkness down the road. They soon came to a bushy-topped 
scrub oak, which trees are plentiful in that part of Missouri, 
and the outlines of the place sternly pointed out to the youth 
that this would be the spot where the beasts and birds of 
prey would peck and tear his flesh on the morrow, 
and where his bones would bleach in the noonday sun 
thereafter. 

"Had you no mother, Mr. James?" he wailed again. 
" Oh, spare me for my mother's sake!" 

"Here we are far enough," said Frank James. " You are 
free to go. I give you your life. You. are outside of the 
pickets — outside of danger. Go, and be quick about it!' 
And the boy zue?it. And with the last word James lired his 
pistol heavenward and mtide a dent in the wayside tree, to 
count one for the shot, instead of nicking his revolver handle, 
to note the departure of a human life. That one was wit- 
nessed by the stars. 

]5ut what was the temperament oi the heart and mind of 
the youthful soldier boy at that time? Words of gratitude 
fail to tell. He had been spared by the young desperado, to 
let a mother once more smooth back the locks from his fair 
forehead ; and that was all. 

But what a different sound that pistol shot had to the vari- 
ous listening ears ! To the soldier boy it fell upon a grateful 
ear; to James it was the report of a deed well done; while 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 6^ 

for the other guerillas It was music — the death knell in which 
they gloried. 

Frank James returned immediately, with a solemn and 
sober expression, conscious that he had done one thing well; 
but only to continue in his terrible pursuit. 

" Quick work," said a comrade. 

" Yes," said James; " babies are not hard to kill, and boys 
are as easily disposed o[\^'' giving to the "disposed of" a pe- 
culiar emjDhasis which the hearers were not listening for, and 
did not credit. 

And so the warfare of the border went on, and society 
in Missouri and Southeastern Kansas was cut to the core. 
Partners in business, whose every other interest was in com- 
mon, took issue in arms over the general question. The feel- 
ing was most intense. Men belonged radicallv to one side or 
the other — to the " bloodthirsty and far-reaching North," or 
'' the impassioned and defiant South." Commerce was prgs- 
trated, the church stagnated, and women wished they were 
men, that they might riish into battle, while children fought 
with neighbor children, to follow the example of the older 
heads. And it was well that one-half the human race are so 
constituted that they cannot go to war; for the entire popula- 
tion of the border might have been extinguished 

And the James Boys were in the thickest of the strife. 
The tales and talk of tragedy failed to satisfy — they must be 
tlie tras^edians. Emersfing from their shelter in the Sni hills 
and bottom lands along the Blue, they rode far and fast, deal- 
ing death at every blow — now with Quantrell, now with 
Todd and Poole, then with John Jarrette and Bill Anderson, 
5 



66 OUTLA Wis OF THE BORDER. 

and in his turn with Arch Clements. First charging Blunt's 
bodyguard in Kansas, they would then surprise a moving 
column of Federal militia in Jackson or Lafayette counties, 
Missouri. Felling their victims among the autumn leaves of 
Texas, they would return to the playgrounds of their youth, 
and slay the Federal farmer at his plow in the bright days of 
spring. 

One Monday, on the road west of Warrensburg, they rid- 
dle Lieut. Nash's command, and on the next Wednesday a 
company of Union militia is successively ambushed by them 
on the banks of the Little Blue. Then they join Todd in a 
raid from Independence toward Harrisonville, seven miles 
from which they are brought to a stand by Captain Wagner, 
with the Second Colorado cavalry, but wdiom Jesse James 
lays out in death with seven others, while Frank, too, scores 
eight. And shortly afterward Frank holds at bay, witli the 
level of his pistols, a lot of soldier gamesters at Camden. 

And so passed the spring and summer of 1864. Late in 
July four men were gathering apples in an orchard by the 
roadside one evening — two in one tree and two in another. 
Presently Jesse James and Arch Clements came riding by. 
They selected a tree apiece, shot down the men, and galloped 
along as if nothing had happened, or jesting as if they had 
been shooting at a mark. 

And shortly after this it was Frank's turn agSin to play 
the part of a hero in a thrilling adventure. The guerillas 
had come to be a large element of the Confederate troops in 
Missouri; and the Federal forces were being concentrated in 
Jackson and Cass counties for the extermination of all loose 



6S OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

Confederates, irregular soldiers, bandits and outlaws, and 
carry on somewhat of a decent war. The guerillas were sen- 
sible of this, and were jDOssessed of some uneasiness; but they 
scouted sharply, and longed for the time when the expected 
conflict would be the hottest. The greater the peril the 
greater was the honor; and Frank James was selected to find 
out the position and movements of the Federal militiamen and 
Jayhawkers, and the Colorado cavalry. He struck the Har- 
risonville and Independence road about half way between the 
two towns, and as he passed through the fields and farms he 
found that a squad of Federal infantry and cavalry were 
encamped a few miles from the road, but just how many he 
failed to ascertain. Taking an unfreqented path down over 
the hills, he resolved to investigate the situation, and he let 
his horse speed along toward the enemy's camp. He exam- 
ined every crook and turn of the road, and took careful notes 
of the country. A mile or two on he came to a sharp turn in 
the road. Here was an old log cabin, apparently deserted. 
As he turned the corner two militiamen, who were acting as 
sentinels, stepped into the road, and presenting their guns, 
commanded him to halt. Instantly his hand jerked a revolver 
from his belt, from the force of habit, and a bullet penetrated 
one of the men's brains before his musket trigger could be 
pulled. Frank v/heeled his horse and put the spurs to him, 
firing as he turned, at the other guard, who fell with a mortal 
wound. A bullet from the guard's rifle whizzed past his ear, 
but he sped away unharmed. And well it was that he turned, 
for not fiw up the road were one hundred infantry and fifty 
Colorado cavalry taking dinner. The firing brought the cav- 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



69 



airy immediately, and they pressed on in quick pursuit; but 
Frank James' horse was fleet and trusty, and he escaped 
them. 

Raj'^ county, Missouri, was the scene of the next conflict. 
Frank and Jesse James were again together, in company with 
Bill Anderson and Todd, and their other comrades. On the 
1 2th of August they came into deadly combat with their foes, 
and the James Boys killed seven men between them. 

In the next struggle Jesse James was so wounded that he 
concluded his time had come. The guerilla band proceeded 
to Flat Rock P^ord, on the Grand River, and on the 14th 
engfa^red some Federal militia and volunteei*s in a hand-to- 
hand fight. In the thickest part of the set-to a bullet tore 
through Jesse James' breast and left lung, and he fell. But 
he was soon picked up and carried out of the affi'ay, to Cap- 
tain John A. Rudd's residence. His wound was bleeding, and 
he breaflied hard. Medical aid was procured, but it did not 
seem to be aid, only in name; for the scientific and surgical 
being who superintended the affair, was skilled only in prac- 
tice upon the horses of the band — to keep them well and 
sure of foot. He began to grow weak, and felt that his end 
was near. 

" Here," he said to his friends; " take these to my sister 
Susie " — removing a ring from his finger and handing out the 
foUowino- messag^e: 

" Dear Sister Susie:— I am fatally shot. Here is my 
ring; keep it to remember me by. I have no regret. I've 
done what I thought was right. I die contented." 

But more careful attendance was procured, and in just 



70 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

three weeks Jesse James was able to mount his horse and 
strike for the guerilla camp. He found Frank James and 
Lieut. George Shepherd at Judge Gray's house, near Bone^ 
Hill, Jackson county, which was always a safe rendezvous 
for the guerillas; and the whole party made off for a raid into 
Clay county. This was on the 12th of September, 1864. 

Jesse made a flying visit to his mother at this time. He 
was now able to act as scout, and his mother filled him with 
important news concerning the Jayhawkers, Federal militia- 
men and Abolitionists. The whole county was teeming with 
militiamen and their allies, and a general massacre of the 
guerillas was expected very soon; so that it behooved the lat- * 
ter element to act immediately, and prepare to make themselves 
felt. 

Four days later — SejDt. i6th — ^Jesse James appeared at 
Ke3^tesville, Chariton county. Mo., where three militiamen 
bit the dust at the instance of his pistol; and on the next 
night he rode twenty-nine miles through a dangerous coun- 
try, to give Todd some necessary information about the 
Federal movements. 

During the night of the 19th the whole of Quantrell's 
combination was massed for assistance at the battle of Fay- 
ette. Bill Anderson, Poole, Clements, and all the other 
chiefs were there. Quantrell was to have led, and on the fol- 
lowing forenoon he made a desperate assault on the stockade. 
In the heat of this encounter Lee McMurtry, a close comrade 
of Jesse James, was fearfully wounded and fell near the Fed- 
eral lines. The bullets were now flying sharply into the 
guerilla ranks, and there scarcely seemed space enough be- 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 71 

tween the bullet lines for a human body, nor time enough be- 
tween the volleys to take a single step. But Jesse James 
was not to be checked — he was as sincere in friendship as he 
was dauntless in encounter, and through the hot fire he ran 
up, shouldered McMurtry, and rushed back without an injury. 
The battle wore on some time; but the guerillas were not 
drilled for any organized engagement, and so they could not 
long sustain the regularity of the Federal fire, and were 
driven off. 

Though Quantrell had some considerable military knowl- 
edge and discipline, and was more skillful and wary than 
many a fir greater and more famous general, he failed to se- 
cure a co-operation of the tiger-like ferocity in each individual 
guerilla, and he was compelled to face a failure in the attempt 
to flatten the stockade. The consequence was that confidence 
in him began to lessen. Bill Anderson, who has been wxll- 
called the most savage guerilla that ever trod the soil of ]\Iis- 
souri, grew in favor among the numerous bands, and was 
soon honored as the bearer of the black banner. Quantrell 
would not follow him, and retired to Howard county. 

Anderson arranged his guerillas immediately for a raid 
into the northeastern portion of Boone county, and on the 
27th of September they rode into Centralia, almost frothing 
at the mouth for revenge. 

Pringle, the scalper, rode with him, and Todd and Poole, 
the James Brothers, Arch Clements, the two Hills, and the 
rest of the savage gang, followed close in the rear, one hun- 
dred and fifty in all, each one as eager as their leader for the 
terrible butcherv that was about to take Dlace. 



7-: OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

Centralia is a village on the St. Louis, Kansas City & 
Northern Railroad, ordinarily quiet, but as the guerillas, with 
the black and deadly auspices of their flag, drew rein in the 
streets, the citizens were terror-struck. The fear that the 
guerillas inspired gave them easy possession of the place, and 
they soon plundered and pillaged every houses 

About the time their ravages were concluded, a train of 
lars, loaded with soldiers and citizens, pulled into the depot; 
but there were only twenty-eight soldiers, and they, too, were 
for the most part without arms. And what could they do 
with one hundred and fifty almost savage guerillas arrned to 
the teeth? Nothing but yield, and throw themselves on the 
mercy of a band of heartless, fiendish human beings. 

" Away with them, boys! Make way with the blue- 
coats!" yelled Bill Anderson, as the soldiers and citizens 
formed in a line. 

But the latter soon separated from the former, and four 
men with blue blouses on were marched out and slaughteied 
like so many sheep. 

And the sun had not yet dried the blood on the bodies -of 
the fallen Federals before one hundred Iowa cavalrymen came 
thunderino- alon"- 

" Into the jaws of death, 
Into the gates of hell," 

and the bloody tragedy went on. 

But the impetus of the bold riders from the North was 
not to be checked until blood was drawn, and life was lost; 
and with Major Johnson at the head they crashed straight 



OUTLAIVS OF THE BORDER. 



73 



forward into the guerilla ranks. But these were now two 
hundred, and, when George Todd commanded them to '' close 
in," they swallowed the lowans almost entire. Mercy did 
not exist in the make-up of the guerillas— appeals for it were 
as vain as talking to the wind. The bigger the stream of 
blood, the greater the guerillas' glory. Jesse James spurred 
his horse straight for Major Johnson, and one aim of liis re- 
volver tumbled the Major from his saddle. It was all over. 
The cavalrymen became confused, and almost bodily 

" Dropped down into the dark abyss of death." 

Few got away to tell of the horrible massacre. The re- 
volver of Frank James dealt death to eight that day. That 
fatal 27th of September, 1864, will ever hold a bloody place 
in the Missouri records of the war. 

The next few days after the Centraliti slaughter the guer- 
illas were not so active. For once it seemed their thirst bad 
been satisfied. And then a sickening reaction set in, while 
the militiamen grew more and more bold; and in one of their 
fights a noted guerilla by the name of Dick Kinney was mor- 
tally wounded. Fifty notches marred the handle of his re- 
volver, and each was the ^///^^/^ of a 7nan! Fifty human 
beings had found the cause of death in that pistol barrel. Bv 
a common law the gun fell to his nearest friend. This friend 
was Frank James, who probably has the revolver still. 

The next adventures of the Jatnes Brothers was in the 
guise of Colorado soldiers. They were alone this time, and 
bent on a special mission. Report had come to them that an 
old man named Banes, a radical Union man, who lived in a 



74 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

corner of Clay county, was most bitter in his op}V)sition to 
the Confederate cause, had slandered the guerillas particularly, 
and was very special in his abuse of their mother, Mrs. 
Samuels. 

One night the James Boys knocked at Banes' door and 
the old gentleman appeared, with spectacles on and paper in 
hand. Supposing the boys to be Federal troopers he received 
them very cordially, and began to talk freely about the 
war, first discussing the general confusion and peril of the gov- 
ernment, then the State, and lastly, but sincerely enough, 
the danger in his own vicinity. Poor old man! He little 
dreamed that only a short hour more 

" And thee 
The all-beholding sun shall see no more 
In all his course." 

Presently he turned his conversation upon the guerillas: 
" And thar," he said, handing out his paper, "is the piece 
about them terribul gurrillers killin' so many people up heer 
in Boone county. Wa'n't that tarribul! Wal, sir, if I was 
superstishius as some o' them Sutheners^ I'd think them guer- 
illas had hair on 'em — they're so tarrible beast-like. And the 
James Boys wuz in it, too. And thar's that old mother o' 
their'n — she's a regular old she-devil. And she raised two 
boys 'ut's bigger devils 'n she is." 

The James Boys agreed to everything the old gentleman 
had to say, and apparently grew very much interested, and 
finally proposed to him to start immediately on the trail of the 
young dare-devils. The old man accepted, took his gun and 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 7^ 

pistols from their shelf and rode away from his pleasant fire- 
side into eternity. 

When they were a few hundred yards of the house, 
Frank James turned his horse, drew his revolver, and said : 
" You have spoken your last word against us — we are t/ie 
James Brothers I Be careful how you talk next time! " Two 
pistol shots played the accompaniment to the last two words, 
and Banes was no more; and Jesse and Frank rode on to the 
Blackwater where the guerilla camp was. 

But the reign of the guerillas was now beginning to de- 
cline. The very desperation with which they carried on 
things seemed to be a no less disastrous factor in their down- 
fall than the determination and ceaseless warning of the 
Federal militiamen. They were the avowed opponents of 
all society and were met on every hand by the Union troopers, 
who showed them as little mercy as they themselves were ac- 
customed to show. Two such elements in the opposite 
extremes could not long occupy the same space; their existence 
must soon end in the destruction of one or both; and the 
guerillas seemed to fare the worst, for their numbers gradually 
dropped off one by one. 

Shortly after the trip of Frank and Jesse James to the 
Banes' house, the band of guerillas to which they belonged 
left their rendezvous on the Blackwater for a raid, but were 
astride of a militia ambuscade. The surprise was complete, 
and many of the guerillas received death wounds. Jesse 
J ames received a shot through the leg, while his horse was 
killed from under him. 

And a little later than this — just after the battle of the 



76 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

t 
Little Osage (Oct. 25), in the last invasion of Missouri — 
General Price began his retreat into Arkansas. The 
Federals crowded him closely, and George Todd was put in 
the rear-guard to keep them back. Wherever there was any 
check in the march of the retreating Confederates, wherever 
a stream was crossed, or a steep hill climbed, occurred a 
battle. And the Autumn hills and the seared woods echoed 
the roar of cannon and the clash of arms. 

"The fading summer was almost gone, 
The tinted leaf was coming on; 
And the smoky wind, with a southward sun. 
Told the death o' the passing year 'd begun." 

And in one of these fights Todd was killed. He had 
been faithful to his guerilla oath, and was especially esteemed 
'oy the James Brothers. About midnight, Frank and Jesse 
with a few others, stole his body from the Federals and carried 
it to a lonely oak not yet stripped of its leaves. They dug a 
neat grave, and before the body was covered with earth, they 
pointed their pistols heavenward and swore to avenge the 
death of their friend. 

And this was near the end for the guerillas. The protect- 
ing arm of the Confederates was no longer thrown around 
them, and it was plain that they must seek a pretext and pur- 
suit in other fields. The most desperate of the band had met 
violent deaths. Todd had just fallen; Bill Anderson had 
been shot down while crossing the Missouri River into 
Howard County, fighting desperately; John Poole, Dick 
Kinney, and Fernando Scott, had met an inevitable fate, and 



OC/TLAWS OF THE BORDER. ^y 

scores of other daring guerillas had fallen victims of the war 
in the brush. 

Most of the numbers who had sworn themselves sternly 
into Qivantrell's band were now scattered — after Price's retreat 
— ^just as had been done after their early raids; but death was 
the reaper now; their bones were strewn far and near, to 
stiffen in the rains and frosts of winter, and bleach in the sun- 
light of summer. 

Other bands still held together, but their impulse and 
strength were gone, and they were left to the mercy of the 
Federals, who were still increasing. 

Quantrell and his band were fair examples of the men 
who carried on guerilla warfare, and their deeds, however 
base and barbarous, will ever remain a tragic part in the 
annals of the war in Missouri. 

When Price went south into Kansas Jesse James and 
Frank separated and left the army, Jesse going with George 
Shepherd into Texas, while Frank went with Quantrell into 
Kentuck}'. Cole Younger and John Jarrette had slipped 
away some time before, and were far to the south. 

And then followed the saddest period of the war for the 
guerillas. Most of the old bands had been cut to pieces — 
seldom dissolved. The " reaper of life's harvest " had been 
busy in their ranks, rewarding them severally for their good 
deeds, and checking them from the bad. But as long as the 
organizations existed the individual guerillas staid by to the 
end, and when their bands were scattered they fought alone 
to the extremity of death, compelling their foes to shoot them 
down like beasts, before they would be taken. But they 



'jS OUTLAIVS OF THE BORDER. 

were all killed or driven out, and soon the Federals held 
full sway. 

While on the march to Texas with Shepherd, Jesse 
James performed, on the 23d of Novemher, another of the 
dai-ing- hut very unenviable feats which characterized his lite. 
In the Indian Territory his party crossed the path of a band 
of Union militia, headed by Emmett Goss, a captain who 
had achieved as great a reputation for baseness and excess in 
his pursuit as the guerillas had in their would-be conquest of 
Missouri. The meeting of these utterly hostile elements 
meant an immediate battle. 

" 'T was Greek with Greek, and steel with steel; 
And bitter curse and vain appeal." 

Goss would rather fight than eat. The battle occurred on 
Cabin Creek, in the wilds of the Cherokee country. 

Wiicn the action was at its hottest, Jesse James, as at the 
Contralia affair, darted straight for the leader of the enemy, 
and in an exchange of shots, Goss' head was the receptacle 
for Jesse's first bullet, while his heart stiffened at the next fire 
of the unerring guerilla, and he fell to the ground dead. 

The Rev. U. P. Gardiner was the next unfortunate. He 
was chaplain of the Thirteenth Kansas regiment, and was on 
his way back with Goss from a marauding excursion. Jesse 
rode up by the side of Mr. Gardiner, and placed a pistol close 
to his head. The chaplain begged in true ministerial style, 
and said: 

''•I am Rev. U. P. Gardiner, a chaplain in the army." 

"Yes! a black Abolitionist is what vote are!" said James. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. yo 

"And even if you wasn't, I take special delight in shootin' 
chaplains," and a pull of the trigger counted the minister 
among the number of Jesse's victims for that day. 

When the battle was over the guerillas coursed along on 
their southward way. Jesse James and a comrade scouted 
for the j^arty, watching for more militiamen. 

On the second day the scouts parted, and Jesse found him- 
self alone on an open prairie, somewhat rugged, not far from 
a stream in front, while to the left the surface gently lowered 
and was covered with some heavy timber and the usual 
amount of undergrowth common to many of the Western 
streams. He had not ridden for before a savage war-whoop 
sounded from the timber, and a half a dozen or more Pin 
Indians darted out and made for him with all speed. The 
Pius belonged to the Cherokees, and were most friendly to 
Union militia, but fatal to the guerillas. They had been 
trained to gain their livelihood by "drawing the bead," and 
their long-range guns were anything but pleasant to face. 
This was one period in Jesse James' life when he did not feel 
like a whole army. 

On came the war-whoop — something must be done. 
James lifted the reins, and his horse, which seemed to realize 
the danger, strained every nerve in flight. As he neared the 
stream the banks grew higher. A broad prairie stretched ofT 
to the right, but the Indians were gainuig ! The only thing 
was to leap the high banks. The horse hesitated, but a kick 
of the spur sent the snorting steed down the steep precipice 
and landed him on a pile of brush that was floating down 
stream. For a wonder neither horse nor rider was hurt. It 



So OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

was a repetition of the famous Revolutionary escape of Gen. 
Israel Putnam by riding down the steps at Stamford, Conn., 
when the British were after him. The Indians rode up to 
the stream, but were baffled and amazed at the daring feat; 
while Jesse rode down the stream along the bank and 
escaped. 

This was about the last adventure of importance that 
occurred on the trip; and Jesse spent the winter ('64-5) in 
Texas. Nothing of unusual note among the guerillas marred 
the dreamland for that time, except a few hunts; and Jesse 
availed himself of the quiet for a season of rest, to let nature 
recuperate his wounded body. 

But in the balmy days of spring the Texas air seemed to 
become unfit for the Northern gentlemen, and the memory 
of their old haunts in Missouri was too strong and pleasant 
an invitation for Lieutenant Shepherd's guerillas to disregard. 
So their horses were curried, guns cleaned and knives sharp- 
ened, and they trotted off on their return journey. The way 
they had come down was about the shortest and best, and 
they retraced their track through the Indian country. The 
Pins were still radical loyalists, and wherever the guerillas met 
the Indians they were treated with the most savage hostility. 

But the horses of the guerillas were fresh, and the 
Indians did not trouble them long; and by the ist of May 
all of Quantrell's guerillas who were left in vShepherd's band 
had returned to their old range. Jesse James, Arch 
Clements and two comrades rode hence into Benton county, 
where, they had learned, lived a Union militiaman by the 
name of Harkness, who was but little less crusty, in his 



OUTLAWS OF THE BOEDER. Sj 

remarks about the Confederate cause, than Banes, of Clay 
county, had been the year before. And he was treated to a 
similar fate, but in a more cowardh way. The four guer- 
illas rode up to his house and called him out. After they 
hitched their horses, the other three held him, while Arch 
Clements cut his throat, and then they gathered rein for the 
woods, leaving his dead body lying in his own dooryard. 

Another similar portion was meted out to an old man 
named Duncan, who lived at Kingsville, Johnson county, 
Mo. But Jesse did this by himself. Duncan had been a 
militiaman, and had said some pretty hard things about the 
people who sympathized with Southern notions. And his 
remarks were especially without compliment to the guerillas, 
so that Jesse felt it his special duty to put Duncan out of the 
way. This he did unceremoniously a few days after he 
helped to murder Harkness; and that was all there was of it. 
He felt no more remorse than he would after shooting a dog 
that had barked at him. 

Before the close of May Jesse James had one exploit, 
which was the last in his career as a guerilla. The Confed- 
erate armies all over the country were surrendering, and the 
soldiers were returning to peaceful pursuits. The echoes of 
war were traveling the valleys for the last time. Peace had 
come; and they who were enemies a short time before could 
now grasp each other with the friendly hand of fellow-citizen- 
ship and sing: 

" No more we'll hoist the flag in war — 
No more our country's banner mar! 
The smoke of battle has blown past, 

Of bloody war we've fought our last ; 
6 



$2 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

" We'll watch the dawning sun of peace, 
And trust its light — our foes release — 
And praise the day that now is come : 
Sweet blessed thought — ' We're going home.'" 

Missouri drew a breath of relief; gave a sigh for the 
dead; accepted the result, and shouted vive la Republique! 
There was a general formality of surrendering, and the sight 
of truce flags was common. The guerillas marched up with 
the Confederate soldiers with some hesitation, and finally 
surrendered — except a few bands who were thoroughly 
imbued with hostility to the government. One of these bands 
was composed of Jesse James, Arch Clements and six others.. 
But they accompanied their old comrades to Lexington, 
wdiere the surrender took place, bade them farewell, and made 
off into Johnson county. On their way they were suddenl}; 
confronted by a returning band of Federal scouts, and a des- 
perate struggle followed. Jesse's horse was shot from under 
him; but this did not retard him —he kept on fighting with 
the ferocity of an enraged tiger. A shot through the leg 
compelled him to flee to the woods; but another was sent 
through his lungs by a pursuing Federal. That Federal was 
John E. Jones, of the Second Wisconsin cavalry, Company 
E. And strangely enough the guerilla and the scout met 
sometime afterward, and became warm friends! Still James 
kept on — no surrender for Jesse James — and finally escaped. 
But he was in a sad condition, indeed! He managed to 
crawl to a stream and there he lay two days rolling in a 
fever, with his wounds yet uncared for. When he was able 
to go farther, he got out of the woods, and came into a field, 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 83 

where a farmer was putting in his crop. As the circum- 
stances had it, the farmer was his friend, and nursed him 
until he could visit his mother, who was now in Nebraska. 
After the last feeble bands of organized hostility in Missouri 
had dropped to pieces — which was not many weeks — Jesse 
returned to Kearney, Clay county, Mo., with her. Jesse was 
very low for some time, and it was only by the most ^ei- 
sistent determination that he survived. Mrs. Samuels nursed 
him as carefully then as in his babyhood, and he battled long 
and faithfully against the king to whom he had sent so many 
subjects; but it was many months before he could call his life 
his own. 




CHAPTER XII. 

THE LAST OF THE GUERILLAS- — ^ QUANTRELL's DEATH 

THE SURRENDER. 

Quantrell's career in Missouri has been related. After he 
had lived in Howard county a short time, he became tired of 
a quiet life, and went to Waverly, in Lafayette county, to stir 
up his old band again, or as many of them as would follow, 
and fixed his lair at Wigginton's place, five miles west of the 
town. The Confederate armies had abandoned the State to 
the Union, so that the odds against the guerillas made it use- 
less for them to continue their opposition there. Frank James 
and some thirty others of the old band accepted Quantrell's 
leadership again, and about the time Jesse was traveling south 
with Shepherd, Frank was riding with Quantrell for Mary- 
land, where they expected to carry on their warfare. 

On New Year's day, 1S65, the band came to " Pacific 
Place," a crossing of the Mississippi sixteen miles above 
Memphis. This was under the control of Charlie Morris, 
who was a " middleman " between the hostile factions — " a 
friend to each, and a curse to both." He went to Memphis 
frequently, and was received very cordiall}^ by the Federals, 
whose favors he was careful to return ; but when he was in 
the hands of the Confederates or guerillas, he was quite as 
" squashy" to them. Accordingly Quantrell affected an easy 
passage of the river, and rode on unmolested through Big 

84 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 85 

Creek, Portersville, Covington, Tabernacle, Brownsville, 
Bell's, Gadsen, Humboldt, McKenzie and Paris, Henry county, 
Tenn., and then on in a northeasterly course. 

They had no trouble to speak of, except at Paris, vv^here 
the Federal cavalry gave them such a warm reception that 
they were compelled to make a hasty flight. They crossed 
the Tennessee River at Birmingham, and the Cumberland at 
Canton, and then marched on to Hopkinsville, in Christian 
county, Kentucky. 

As the guerillas were leaving this town they passed a 
house where there were a dozen cavalrymen sitting around. 
They drew rein, and all but three of the brave cavaliers fled, 
leaving their horses in the stable. But these gallant three 
were soldiers. One assault after another was gallantly with- 
stood for several hours. At last threats were made by the 
guerillas to burn the house, but were a waste of breath. 
Quantrell was enraged at this, and the fire was immediately 
kindled; but even then it had blazed some little time before 
the cavalrymen surrendered. It is needless to say that Quan- 
trell led off* the horses. 

And the next Satanic achievement of the guerilla chief 
was to play the part of a Federal captain in a most gigantic 
and cowardly tragedy which he then concocted. At Hart- 
ford, in Ohio county, Kentucky, a company of Federal mili- 
tia was stationed, under the command of Captain Frank Bor- 
nette. 

Quantrell opened communication with Bornette, and pro- 
cured his aid to search out " the cursed Confederate guerillas" 
Bornette did not see the trap that was laid for him, and Vv ith 



S6 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

an eye for fame rode innocently out to his death, followed by 
his whole troop. 

The plan was for each guerilla to choose his man, and 
when Quantrell should throw a handkerchief over his shoul- 
der the terrible assassination should begin, be quick and com- 
plete. The guerilla-hunters rode rapidly on, and just as the 
sun was going down one evening in February came to a ford 
in an obscure stream. Frank James rode into the water with 
Captain Bornette, and when Quantrell gave the signal there 
was a flash from James' pistol, and the captain's body fell into 
the cold stream and floated off. At the same time the other 
guerillas played their part in the butchery, and then escaped 
speedily. 

The news of this assassination but added to the bloody 
reputation Quantrell had already attained as an outrager of 
civilized war. He had now placed himself as boldly in oppo- 
sition to the peace of Kentucky, as he had daringly defied 
the civil authorities of Missouri. But he and his followers 
could not last long. They were carrying on war in a peace- 
ful country ; they were feeding a passion for blood without 
cause or provocation; in a word, they were slaughtering 
men to see the blood flow. 

The Federal cavalry commanders now realized that they 
were no longer fighting soldiers in Quantrell, Mundy and 
Marion, but that they were hunting human beasts, and must 
kill them in their own cowardly way. They commenced the 
hunt for Quantrell, and the search was not long in vain. 
About this time, as it happened, Frank James was away from 
that part of the State, visiting an uncle. Captain Terrell and 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER 87 

Major Bridgewater pushed the pursuit of Quantrell and his 
comrades with great vigor, and chased them from haunt to 
haunt, until they cornered them at the house of Mr. Wake- 
field, near Smiley, where the guerillas made their final stand. 
The fight was most desperate. The guerillas were fighting 
for their own dear lives now. They fought long and wickedly, 
until Quantrell received a fatal wound, and was carried into 
Wakefield's house. The guerillas were nearh' annihilated; 
but those among them who were able to escape, now made a 
hasty flight. 

When Frank James heard of Quantrell's low condition, 
he hastened to the bedside of him whom he had followed so 
faithfully, and whom he almost worshiped, to bid him the 
final farewell. 

Quantrell's death-bed was an impressive scene. Pale and 
weak, he realized that he could not live. As he neared the 
end, the memory of parts of his life came upon him vividly, 
and though he had been through a course that would brazen 
any heart and purge it of all its sacred feelings, yet the few 
days' sickness that preceded his death cleared the battle smoke 
from his face, and he felt something of remorse. 

Frank James was aflfected. The tears rolled down his 
cheeks with the ease of childhood. Whether he had ever 
tasted of any tender feelings or not, he could not now see his 
old chief take his final departure without being moved. 

Quantrell turned his face to Frank James, and said: 
" Frank, don't you think the band had better surrender.? " 

" You are still the chief, Quantrell," said Frank James. 

" Yes; but you see this is about the last hour for me. We 



cS8 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



have fought against fate. For awhile we were successful, hut 
the bo^^s are nearly all gone now, and the old woods are 
silent. Ah, them cursed Jayhawkers — they killed my 
brother." And this was the last of the alike famous and infa- 
mous guerilla chieftain. 

Shortly afterward, on the 35th of July, 1865, Henr}^ Por- 
ter and Frank James gathered the fugitive guerillas together, 
and made a formal surrender at Samuels' Depot, Nelson 
county, Kentucky. And this was the end of the war in the 
brush, and the guerilla career of Frank James. 




CHAPTER XIII. 

THE TRAGEDY OF BRANDENBURG— FOUR MEN ATTEMPT TO 

ARREST FRANK JAMES FOR A HORSE THIEF THREE OF 

THEM KILLED THE OTHER ESCAPES FRANK WOUNDED 

IN THE LEFT HIP CONCEALED BY HIS FRIENDS. 

Qimntrell was dead. The days of the guerillas were past. 
Soldiers and men of war had returned to peaceful pursuits. 
The members of the once formidable guerilla bands — too in- 
dolent for honest work, too cowardly for honest war — could 
no longer follow in the wake of battle and live by pillage and 
plundering those who could not rise up from death to defend 
themselves. 

Frank James had been somewhat affected by Quantrell's 
death, and in accordance with the wish af his dying chief, 
and partly as his judgment dictated, surrendered with the rest. 
But what was he to do? He would lead a quiet life, leave 
off his old ways, and return to the farm. But no! His 
passions said no ! His former habits said no ; and the idea of 
hard farm work was equally negative. There was something 
better than hard work for Frank James. Just what it was he 
did not know — he seemed to be abandoned — to be an exile. 
He was now living a very proper life, but felt that he was out 
of place. He would return to the home of his youth, but 
no! His name was still on the proscription list on account of 
the Central ia affair; and then another deed committed in his 

8c, 



90 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

h.ome county (Clay, Mo.), stood against his record. He had 
put two bullet holes through the head of Alvas Dailey about 
a year before, because Dailey had discussed the action of the 
confederates and guerillas with too much bitterness; and the 
people of his native vicinity had probably not forgotten how 
to apply the lynch law. 

In this state of mind Frank James lingered for some 
months in Kentucky, not stopping In any one place very 
long, and there were many others in his same condition. 
Peace had thrown many men out of employment, and as one 
of the results, horse stealing, thieving of every kind, and 
highway robbery, were resorted to by a large number who" 
allowed themselves to be used in most any other way than for 
honest labor. Such was the condition of society and the do- 
mestic life of the border — more especially in Kentucky, 
Southern Indiana, Missouri, and the border of Kansas. And 
these thugs and highwaymen plied their criminal vocations 
with more success in Northern Kentucky — in the blue grass 
and stock regions. In these parts it seemed that the slum of 
both Federal and Confederate armies had been turned loose. 
The followers of Quantrell, Magruder, Anderson, Marion, 
Mundy, and others, were keenly watched ; but in the unset- 
tled state of the country they evaded the law without much 
difficulty, and became very dangerous and annoying to stock- 
raisers. The bold cavalry riders of Kentucky had not for- 
gotten much of the skill, nor lost much of the daring that 
they had acquired during the war, through some months had 
passed; and now that self-protection was the immediate ques- 
tion, vigilance bands came together without authority, and 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 91 

punished without law or leniency. But they joined hands 
with the civil officers, and whom the finger of suspicion pointed 
out they dealt with without delay. 

One afternoon, as Frank James was riding along the Ohio 
River northward, he came upon the town of Brandenburg, in 
Meade county. He rode leisurely into the place, and as it 
was near evening, stopped at a hotel for the night. Only a 
few days before that time a large number of horses had been 
.stolen from La Rue county; and the whole country was up in 
arms. A careful search was made for the thieves, and they 
had been traced as far as Brandenburg. In the evening four 
officers and deputies came into town in hot haste. Riding up to 
the hotel they dismounted, and going in, found Frank James sit- 
ting in the office. Whether he was their man or not, he resembled 
the ideal thief of that time, and the conclusion was immediate. 
The leader was a burly fellow of twenty-two, and with a strong 
following for the circumstances, dreamed as little of the fate 
that awaited him as Frank James did of the surprise in store 
for him. 

Stepping up and tapping Frank on the shoulder in an 
official but somewhat pleasant way, he said, " You are my 
prisoner — I arrest you as a horse thief." 

Frank James was always prepared for such occasions, and 
was never without his brace of revolvers. " And custom had 
so brazened him that the expression of a simple formal arrest 
was no more than an ordinary conversation. He realized at 
once the position he was in, and ever cool as he was, looked 
up at the officer, betraying no feeling of surprise, if he had 
any ; and the officer repeated, " You may consider yourself 
under arrest." 



92 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

" I will consider nothing of the kind," said Frank, as he 
pulled the trigger of his revolver, which had come to its 
place as he spoke the last word. The officer fell back- 
ward against a deputy, and dropped dead. Two more shots 
brought the next two to the floor — one killed, the other 
fatally wounded, while the fourth fled for his life. But he did 
not escape without turning to fire, and one of his bullets bur- 
ied itself in Frank James' hip, close to the joint. The wound 
was sharp, and almost brought the guerilla to the floor. But 
Frank James was a fighting man, and as long as his body 
was In one piece his nerve did not fail him. The shooting 
soon brought an excited and violent mob. 

"Down with him! Down with him! Down with the 
thief !" demanded the crowd, as Frank James stepped out on 
the street, while the excited mob came jamming up. 

"Stand back!" said Frank James, as he presented his 
pistols in the very faces of the most excited. And they stood 
back. It was like a cannon ball fired into a waterspout. The 
crowd wavered, the momentum was broken, and Frank 
James was master of ceremonies. 

The pain of his wound was intense. The ball struck 
close to the sciatic nerve, and his whole nervous system 
seemed almost to be cut in two. His old guerilla passions 
boiled. But just then an old comrade rushed up to him, 
dragged him away a few yards, helped him to mount a horse 
and away they darted, leaving the mob dum-founded. 

In every place where tragedies like the above occur, there 
is a certain class of persons generally averse to labor, who 
are ever ready to form a mob; and the leaders of these quite 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 93 

as easily render themselves a constituency for high crime. 
And Brandenburg was no exception — rather a fine application 
of the rule. On the one hand was the bloodthirsty mob, and 
the other the persons who secrete criminals. The latter 
played the best game in this instance, though Frank and 
Jesse James never wanted for frieads, wherever they went — 
such men never do. 

Frank James was hurried to the house of one of these 
friends, and the most scientific surgeon in the city was sum- 
moned. The wound was a most dangerous one, and the pain 
almost unbearable, while a high fever gave him no rest for 
several days. But Frank James was under the care of warm 
hearts and willing hands, and in a few weeks the physician 
could give some encouragement for his recovery. He was 
then removed, in a very close and easy wagon, at an oppor- 
tune time, to another friend's house in Nelson county, where 
he remained some time. But it was a number of years be- 
fore he fully recovered from the wound, and he still remem- 
bers his experience at Brandenburg as a very narrow escape 
from death. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

LIBERTY, MO., BANK ROBBERY, AND WHAT FOLLOWED IT 

$70,000 TAKEN FROM THE BANK ON ST. VALENTINE's 

DAY THE JAMES BOYS BELIEVED THE INSTIGATORS 

JESSE JAMES DEFEATS A POSSE OF DETECTIVES. 

Jesse James was no coward, in the usual meaning of that 
word. Though he was cautious and careful at all times, he 
never knew fear; and when cornered, would fight to the^ 
last. From two to six revolvers were always within reach — 
"handy to have about," as he expressed it; and though he 
was aware that there were often bold and sly men on his 
trail, he lived quietly. When not out on a raid, he seemed 
to enjoy a citizen's life; but still, the hot blood of passion 
flowed through his veins. 

On St. Valentine's, Feb. 14th, 1866, the town ot Lib- 
erty, Missouri, was aroused to an excitement over an event 
which thrilled the whole West. Nearly $70,000 were taken 
from the Commercial Bank of that place, in a very bold and 
audacious way. It was the most open and daring robbery 
that had ever been made in that part of the country, though 
it did not rank with the later robberies of Russellville, Cory- 
don or Columbia. 

The James Boys had won something of a reputation for 
daring and desperate fighting in the late years of the war, 
when they were also accustomed to plunder for sustenance. 

94 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



95 



However, ihey had not been identified with any scheme as 
gigantic as the Liberty Bank affair — they had not made a 
record, as yet, in that special branch of outlawry — but, never- 
theless, from their general bearing, and the suspicion held 
against them for similar engagements, the public were ready 
to believe, and many openly asserted, that the James Brothers 
were the instigators of the robbery, or had a ver}^ close hand 
in it. They had not lived in such a waj^ that the people 
believed otherwise. And thus public sentiment hung for one 
year. Yet, whatever may be, or whatever has been, said by 
way of censure upon the James Brothers, it is no more than 
justice to state that no evidence has ever been secured. 

And there were many strong denials of the charge. A 
visitor to the Stillwater penitentiary asked Cole Younger 
what he knew about the Liberty Bank robbery, and Younger 
said: " Well, I have always had my own opinion about 
that affair; and if the truth is ever told, the crimes that have 
been laid to me and my brother will be located where they 
belong. 

Frank James w^as in Kentucky at the time of the Commer- 
cial Bank robbery, still suffering from the wound he had 
received at Brandenburg, in July of the previous year; and 
Jesse was at his home in Kearney, Clay county, Mo., confined 
to his bed by the shot through the lungs, just after the guer- 
illas surrendered at Lexington. It was not known at the 
time just where Frank was; but the unanimous conclusion 
was that, wherever they were, Jesse and Frank both were 
enjoying a part of the piratical prize secured on St. Valen- 
tine's day. Even many persons who, not long since, had 



c)h OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

Ijeeii Jesse James' fast friends, thought that he was not alto- 
gether innocent of the affair. 

The detectives were at work, and on the i8th of Febru- 
ary, 1867, — one year after the deed was done — the climax 
was reached. It was a beautiful winter night, with just 
enough snow on the ground to lighten \\^^ the world under 
the clear, soft moon; and the evening was well spent, when 
five militiamen fastened their horses to the posts in the outer 
yard, and marched up to the house where Jesse James lay, 
burning with fever. 

Dr. Samuels saw them coming up to the house, but soon 
they were on the piazza, demanding entrance. He hurried 
up stairs to consult Jesse about the matter. But the ex- 
guerilla, but little more than half alive, had no idea of sur- 
render — no difference how many the besiegers numbered — 
and he said to his step-father, " Help me to the window." 
A glance out revealed to him the familiar saddles and steeds 
of the detested militiamen, and he was at once nerved for 
the situation. 

" Don't let 'em in till I give you the word," he said. 

" Very well," said Dr. Samuels, and he returned speedily 
to the door, which the militiamen had now commenced to 
hammer in. 

" Hold on a minute — I can't get the thing unbolted," he 
said. 

" Open this door," was the imperative demand from the 
leader. " VVe want Jesse James — we know he's here." 

Whether they were downright certain of what they had 
said, or not, they soon found it to be true; for at that 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



97 



moment Jesse came down stairs with two dragoon revolvers 
in his hands. He knew of the suspicions against him, and 
did not try to live them down; and to guard against any 
surprise, had kept two 45-caliber revolvers under his pillow 
during his whole sickness. Walking up to the door, and 
listening to the voices outside, a moment's attention told him 
that the militiamen were ready to rush in as soon as the 
door was opened. Placing one of his revolvers up to the 
door, he fired, and a heavy fall outside on the porch, was the 
result. The surprise was complete, and one man had been 
killed. Before the others could recover their astonished 
senses, the door was thrown open, and Jesse James was firing 
from both revolvers. Another one of the posse soon felt his 
deadly aim, and the jDulsations of his heart were soon num- 
bered; while two more were so seriously wounded that they 
gave up, and the fifth man beat a precipitate flight, leaving 
his comrades to welter in blood in the chill air of midnight. 
The last of the militiamen put spurs to his horse and was 
soon hidden in the darkness — there was no one to follow him, 
as Jesse James was not able to ride, and thought that four 
was game enough for that time. The militiaman was 
truly thankful for his escape, and rode rapidly on, 

" Like one who, on a lonely road 

Doth walk in fear and dread, 
And having once turned round, walks on, 

And turns no more his head. 
Because he knows a frightful fiend 

Doth close behind him tread." 

He left a ghastly scene behind. When the moon hung 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. (^g 



low in the early hours of the morning, the weirdness was 
increased. Two of the men who had come to fill their duty 
as exponents of the law, were quiet in death now. Their 
glassy, absent of expression eyes, were turned upward; mouths 
partly open, and the blood had fled from their features, tak- 
ing with it life's coloring. Two others were pale and un- 
conscious, from the pain they had endured. 

The next day, the escaped militiaman returned with an 
increased force, to bear away his fallen comrades, and to 
capture the ex-guerilla at all hazards. Some of them carried 
off the dead in silent procession, and the others demanded the 
immediate surrender of Jesse James. In vain Dr. Samuels 
remonstrated against the officers searching his house, and 
they walked in, backed by the stern authority of the law. 

But Jesse James was nowhere to be found! Though 
scarcely able to sit in a saddle, he had mounted a fleet horse, 
and was now many miles away. 

And thus commenced a slight turn in the career of Jesse 
James, which made him one of the two most notorious out- 
laws ever in America. Large rewards began to be offered 
for their apprehension; but for nearly two decades, they de- 
fied law and society, and many a skilled detective gave 
up his life in pursuit of these men. 



CHAPTER XV. 

AN ERA OF REST ^JESSE JAMES GOES TO CHAPLIN, KY., TO 

HEAL HIS WOUNDS, AND ENJOY THE HOSPITALITY OF HIS 

KENTUCKY FRIENDS THENCE TO NASHVILLE PLACES 

HIMSELF UNDER THE CARE OP" DR. PAUL F. EVE THE 



It was " the evening of the first day." The war was 
ended. Jesse James had fought long and hard, and felt " the 
worse for the wear." And his ride from his home on the 
night of the iSth of February, had still more enfeebled him, 
so that he sadly felt the need of strict medical care. His 
life seemed to be declining. Constant pain and fever had 
left their marks, even on the ex-guerilla's body. Something 
must be done — he must find shelter. 

And then the vState of Missouri did not desire his pres- 
ence longer. Four years of war had been enough — they 
wanted no more. It was now a time of peace, and people 
wanted to live in peace. But could they do it? Not so long 
as they were compelled to fear the deadly aim of Jesse James' 
revolver, and be thrilled with stories of innocent men being 
murdered in cold blood. The last bold murder must be 
accounted for! Jesse James must be captured, dead or alive! 
And this is what stimulated Jesse in his fever to ride from 
Western Missouri into Northern Kentucky. 

There he had many adn^irers, relatives and friends, such 

lOO 



OUTLAWS OP THE BORDER. jqj 



as the Samuels, Thomases, Riissells, Savers and McClos- 
keys. In fact, all that part of the State considered the guer- 
illas as heroes, and delighted to entertain Quantrell, Mundy 
and Marion, and their followers. After a time, Jesse James 
arrived at Chaplin, Nelson county, where Frank was, still 
nursing his wound in the hip. Then came a gloomy period 
for the James Brothers. Both were laid up with wounds, and 
Jesse grew worse and worse, having been irritated by the 
long ride. Finally he concluded to go to Nashville, Tenn., 
and place himself under very careful surgical skill. Dr. Paul 
F. Eve's reputation was found to be satisfactory, and Jesse 
engaged him at once; but it was several months before any 
promise of complete restoration could be made. Jesse staid 
at Nashville nearly a year, and by sheer force of will, recov- 
ered his health so far that he was able to return to Chaplin. 
This was in January, i86S. 

When he arrived at the house of a relative where Frank 
was stopping, a grand banquet took place. This was the 
first of a long series of festivals and feasts, given the 
James Brothers. Everything was made as pleasant as possible 
for them. 

To be sure, the James Boys had killed many men, and 
could count game with whole companies of organized sol- 
diers. But this had been " done in war." The war was 
right, and the object of each of the contending parties was 
to see who could kill the most men from the other side. 
Such was the philosophy of the one-sided enthusiasts and 
people who, both Federal and Confederate, cherished and 
nursed the guerillas and Jayhawkers, the half-soldiers, half- 



io2 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDBR. 

bandits of the border. And on this ground, the nicks on the 
revolvers' handles of the James Brothers were perfectly ex- 
cusable. The Confederate armies had long ago surrendered, 
but the Southern hearts of the guerillas still beat in unison, 
and the feeling for the lost cause w^as intense among the 
class who could not see but one side of a thing. The heroes 
that in any way fought for this cause, were heroes still, and 
whatever they did in that behalf, was creditable. Jesse and 
Frank James were such heroes, and their excesses were 
easily overlooked. They were feasted and cared for like 
kings by all of their relatives who were pecuniarily able. 
Fair hands gloried in entertaining them, and their " military 
honor " outshone all else for feminine eyes. 

But the class of people who so admired the " heroic deeds " 
of the James Brothers, needs a wonderful restriction. They 
were not found in all the land, " from Florida to Oregon, and 
from Maine to Mexico," but scattered through Kentucky, 
along the Ohio, and in Missouri and Arkansas. Nor did 
they constitute any very great percentage of the population in 
those sections, except in limited districts, where they seemed 
to cluster. Nelson and Logan counties, in Kentucky, were 
suth districts, as far as the James Boys were concerned. 
Here was every shade of combativeness and outlawry, from 
an ordinary patriotic soldier, down to the most notorious 
guerilla and bandit; so that it was not difficult for the James 
Boys to muster an abundance of accomplices. These ac- 
complices, turned loose as they were from the war, were 
ever ready to embark in anything that promised amusement 
or money. They were composed, for the most part, of guer- 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. I03 

illas and jDrofessional scouts. Treated with supreme con- 
tempt by all honest soldiers, they were detested by the Fed- 
erals, and shown much disrespect by the sincere Confeder- 
ates. They were in such a state that they could sink into 
the lowest barbarism, or rise to peaceful citizenship, as cir- 
cumstances might influence, or their own tastes dictate. 

At first thought, this state of affairs, i. e.^ so many men 
being foot-loose and driven to crime or other base occupation, 
may be considered one of the evil results of the war; but 
when the question is looked at in the proper way, the truth 
presents itself. Men of every shade of character and make-up, 
have entered all kinds of armies, fighting for various issues, 
and have risen or fallen in the scale of notoriety, according as 
they have been virtuous in private life, patriotic in peace, as 
well as war, and steadfast in battle; or as they have been 
vicious in self-hood, enemies of society, and skulking and cow- 
ardly in war. And to make a question of national issue a 
pretext for turning to banditism, however it may aflfect one's 
private interests, is descending to the depths of absurdity. 

But such, it seems, was the case vv^ith the James Boys 
and a very large number of others. They were not made by 
the war, nor did they help to make it. They were simply 
pushed out of the ranks into a class by themselves, just as 
veterans, volunteers, militiamen and raw recruits are classified. 
Bound by no oath of any consequence, they were not obliged to 
surrender, but continued to be together after all hostilities 
had ceased, and to exercise only that part of the training 
which they had put upon themselves, by plundering, while 
the roar of cannon and the crash of armies almost rent the 



104 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



bonds of government. When they could exist no lotlgei* as 
bands, they cliqued together and worked in separate fields, 
or each returned to the place he sprung from. 

The home of many a brave soldier, Federal and Con- 
federate, has been ransacked, and his family killed or made 
destitute, by the raids of the guerillas; and hence the grow- 
ing hatred for them, which seemed to culminate at the close 
of the war. The guerillas were shunned by the people gen- 
erally, though the people could find no open excuse for so 
doing; and so they separated into communities. 

This coldness on the part of the citizens, has been assigned 
as the cause of man}' men being driven into outlawry, and 
no doubt had something to do with it; but it was not the 
cause, nor any great part of the cause, as has been shown. 

And yet there were many charges laid to the door of the 
James Brothers that were widely misplaced; but on the 
other hand, the Jameses assisted in many a bold robbery, 
while others suflTered the penalty. This will be exemplified 
in the next chapter. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

THPJ RUSSELLVILLE BANK ROBBERY. 

Though man}' believed in the integrity of the James 
Brothers, and by a stretch of conscience, could excuse their 
past career, it was still thought that they were supported, 
during their feebleness of over a year, by some of the funds 
obtained at the Liberty Bank, and that Frank had been con- 
nected with horse-stealing in Kentucky. But now they had 
lived on the " fiit of the lamb " for some time, among their 
friends, and were ready to prove that, and similar charges, 
false, or to take revenge, as they chose. 

Jesse James felt the public pulse carefully, and found the 
feeling decidedly against the course he had pursued. This 
was a good excuse — or rather he made it an excuse — for .his 
occupation the remainder of his life, in connection with his 
brother and a few others. One evening the brothers were 
talking over their past experiences, and rehearsing themselves 
in marksmanship. They talked along sometime over the 
pleasant business of killing men, when Jesse, growing angry, 
the conversation turned as follows: 

See, Frank, it's no use fighting against all this — —preju- 
dice — WQ'we got the name — we may as well have na?ne and 
the gaine^ as the name without the game." 

"All right," said Frank, « we're in for it, and the devil 
take the hindmost." 

And so the murderers concluded to continue, and accom- 

105 



lo6 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

plish in robbery and plunder what they could not in murder. 
Funds were getting pretty low with the boys, while they 
were feelmg trim and ready for active work. 

And the James Boys never went about a thing in a blind 
way. Their calculations we«re always accurate, and the 
time opportune. In the southern frontier of Kentucky, in 
Logan county, bordering on Tennessee, is a flourishing agri- 
cultural and stock region. The people who lived in that 
district were quiet, industrious, cultured, wealthy, refined. 
And the year of 1867 was an exceptionally prosperous one 
for that country; so that the national currency was loose, 
and the banks especially did a good business. The James 
Boys considered this, and hit upon Russcllville as an apt 
place to scoop the money out of the vaults. 

This village was a quiet place of three or four thousand 
inhabitants, and the county-seat of Logan county. It could 
well boast of its schools and colleges, and compare the qui- 
etude, pleasure and profit of its civil and social life with any 
town in the State. 

The morning of March 20, 1868, promised a beautiful 
and peaceful day. Spring had burst forth in all its fresh- 
ness — the birds sang, flowers turned up their heads to the 
morning sun, windows and doors were open for the morning 
air. Everybody welcomed the relief from the dullness of 
winter, and could sing with the poet, 

" In the spring a livelier iris 

Comes upon the burnished dove ; 
In the spring a young man's fancy 

Gently turns to thoughts of love." 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. lo 



The merry ring of the smith's hammer on the anvil 
caught up the sound of the school-bell, and prolonged it until 
nothing but the clink of the hammer was heard again. Noth- 
ing had disturbed the quiet of the town for years, and it was 
little prepared for the thrilling sensation which was about to 
reverberate in every echo. The clerks were chanting in 
happy song in the several stores ; the cashier of the bank 
had thrown open the huge double doors, and sprinkled the 
floor for coolness, and was deliberately tending his accounts, 
and the school children were passing leisurely on, admiring the 
flowers in the neat gardens along the walks. 

Presently the thunder of heavy hoofs was heard on the 
level roads. Loud curses followed, and soon a dozen men, 
glistening with arms, dashed into the town like a clap of 
thunder, in the clearness of a noonday sky. The cashier turned 
pale, as he saw two of them dismount at the bank. Clerks 
rushed to the front to see the trouble, only to be driven back 
by the other ten, who galloped up and down, and cleared 
the streets by shouts and threats. In a few minutes the 
town was as dead as at midnight. Meanwhile, the two who 
had stopped, rushed in to deplete the bank of its funds. Step- 
ping up to the trembling cashier, one placed a revolver to his 
temple with the command : " Hold your tongue and make 
no noise, or your brains will be scattered in one second! " 

The cashier held his peace, while the other bandit sacked 
the treasure from the vaults, amounting to several thousand 
dollars. The two mounted, gave one prolonged shout, and 
the dozen disappeared as suddenly as they had come, leav- 
ing the town deadened with fear and surprise. 



lo8 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

What could be done? The dare-devils had darted in, 
plundered the bank and escaped — no one knew where. As 
soon as the citizens recovered from the surprise, they pressed 
on in quick pursuit. But the brigands practiced their old 
guerilla game, and were gone with the swiftness of the 
wind. They were tracked down through the northern part 
of Tennessee — retracing the route Quantrell had come — 
thence across the Mississippi into the hills of Southeast Mis- 
souri. Here the bandits dispersed to their old haunts, the 
trail was lost, and the pursuit was like tracking fish in a sea. 
The bandits pushed through to their friends in the border, 
and thus the race ended. 

The town had been paralyzed, its bank plundered, and 
pursuit of the bold riders rendered futile. Who were the 
components of this impudent storm? Whence did they come? 
Whither did they go? Did the James Brothers have any- 
thing to do with it? Oh, no; it could not be! For Jesse 
James was at Chaplin, Nelson county, fifty miles away, when 
the Russellville bank was plundered ; and Frank was in Cal- 
ifornia. So claimed their friends, and so said a letter written 
by Jesse James himself to the Nashville (Tenn.) America?!. 
And then, if Frank iiad been there, he was not able to ride 
yet. However, Jesse omitted to account for the fact that both 
the boys had been seen riding back and forth from Nelson 
to Logan county for several weeks before. Was that for 
exercise; or were they simply visiting? Indeed, 

" Truth crushed to earth will rise again ; 
The eternal years of God are hers ; 
But Error, wounded, writhes in pain, 
And dies among his worshipers." 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. IOq 

But surely Jesse James was at the Marshall nouse in 
Chaplin on (or about) the morning of March 20, 1S68, 
while the then unprecedented bold robbery was being done at 
Russell ville. Yes, this was true; and it could be proven by 
the proprietor of the Marshall House. Jesse James was there 
that ver}' morning, or the ev^ening before, or that evenings or 
some other time. And then tliat fifty miles and back could 
not be made in such a short time! 

The fact is, Jesse James did not appear at Chaplin till the 
7icxt evening; so that the difference in chronology was just 
enough to allow Jesse James, Cole Younger, Jim White, 
George and OH Shepherd, perhaps Frank James, and others 
who may have been along, to make way with the bank's 
funds — about $100,000 — get away and attend to the "divvy," 
and each, with his comfortable little fortune, to shield himself 
properly before any one could tell what the brigands were 
about. Another fact is, that the roads were in the best con- 
dition, and as Jesse always rode the best blooded horses, it 
was not very difficult for him to ride fifty miles and attend to 
his business on this occasion. So that there is little doubt that 
Jesse and Frank James either carried out or plotted the Rus- 
sellville bank robbery. And Jesse was slightly mistaken 
about Frank's exact location on the western hemisphere at 
that time, which accounts for that part of it. That gentle- 
man did' not go to California for some time afterward; and 
when he did go he went straight across the plains, and not by 
water around bv New York, as was stated by Jesse in a pub- 
lished letter. This letter was only put out to deceive the pub- 
lic, and complicate the search. 



no OUTLAIVS OF THE BORDER. 

But it was necessary for the peace and welfare of the 
country generally, and the community especially, to look into 
the Russellville robbery, and punish some one severely, even 
if the money and valuables could not be recovered, in order 
that further raids might be prevented. And on the other 
hand the citizens of Logan county demanded an immediate 
investigation, for their Kentucky blood was stirred, and they 
must have some kind of reckoning up for this thing. The 
friends of the Jameses protested and proclaimed the innocence 
of the boys, protesting that Frank was still in Nelson county, 
at Mr. Sayers', suffering sorely from his Brandenburg wound, 
and making most any excuse for Jesse that seemed plausible; 
but the stories did not fit well together, somehow or other, 
and justice, if nothing else, demanded a searching out of the 
truth. 

But the plot had been laid by the James Brothers, and 
now that the climax had been reached and passed, and they 
had gracefully slipped away from the hottest of it, they did 
not propose to lie around in easy chairs near Russellville and 
be caught. There was a disappearance of a number of the 
old guerillas from that part of the State, and the other evi- 
dence implicating the brothers was not exactly pleasant to 
face; so that it behooved Frank and Jesse to be on the move. 
However, their agility did not forsake them now, and as most 
of the band were now sheltered in the old haunts and hills of 
Missouri, Jesse and Frank were free to play the fox with the 
detectives and whomsoever else might choose to place them- 
selves on the scent. 

Before the robbery at Russellville was accomplished, Dick 



OLTTLAWS OF THE BORDER. m 

Maddox, one of the "b'hoys," a co-murderer with the Law- 
rence and Centralia fiends, and a follower of Quantrell in his 
bloody reign (or rain), met a violent death at the hands of a 
soft-stepping and ferocious Cherokee warrior. He left a 
widow as handsome and accomplished as the wife of a guerilla 
could be; and it may be well said here that, whatever the 
bandits and guerillas did, or however deep in barbarity they 
sunk, they still possessed the human feelings of alliance, and 
dread of social ban. George W. Shepherd had been a close 
comrade of Dick Maddox, and while the guerillas pretended 
to live in peace in Nelson c6unty, Ky., they continued to be 
quite neighborly; so that Mr. Shepherd, at the time of 
Mr. Maddox' death, felt somewhat of a responsibility to see 
that no harm should come to Mrs. Maddox, and he may have 
been influenced by some personal motive, for aught that can 
be accounted for. 

Anyhow, at no distant date from Mr. Maddox' decease, 
when George W. Shepherd had gone rudely through with 
what he thought was the proper length and kind of courtship, 
he offered to espouse Mrs. Maddox. And she thought about 
the best thing to do was to receive his protecting care ; and so 
in her widowly and lovable way, accepted? 

The two lived some time in blissful peace, and the bleak 
and weary weeks of war were being forgotten, when a sud- 
den burst of prosperity fell to the lot of George W. Shepherd. 
The ill-gotten $10,000 — his share of the spoils from the Rus- 
sellville bank — grew heavy in his pocket, and as the noon of 
life was well nigh past, a house of rather ordinary comfort, 
surrounded b-"^ a neat and spacious lawn, might not be out of 



112 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

place, he thought. So a small estate was purchased, and 
apparent happiness — if that could be — smiled upon him and 
his. This appeared to the suspecting RussellviUians and the 
searching detectives as misplaced merit for one whose record 
was so clouded as Mr. Shepherd's. 

Moreover, Mr. Shepherd's horses had been used to facili- 
tate the exit of a good many guerillas and men of questiona- 
ble repute, who had very suddenly disappeared from Nelson 
county, and among whom was Oil Shepherd. At any rate, a 
charge preferred against Mr. Shepherd for being an accom- 
plice in the late robbery could not result very disastrously, 
whatever it might fail to accomplish. Accordingly the jDapers 
of arrest were served on him, and a thorough search for evi- 
dence to convict "him did not prove fruitless. He went to 
Russellville — this time under a leadership slightly different 
from that on the morning of March 20, 1S68. He did not 
enter the bank or ride up and down the street under a mask, 
as he had done on the former occasion, but walked straight- 
forward into tlie county jail, where he stopped till the grand 
jury of Logan county convened. When he was given a hear- 
ing he failed to impress that body with his conception of the cir- 
cumstances and results of the Russellville bank robbery, and 
the jury returned a verdict of guilty. When the Circuit 
Court convened, he failed to muster any stronger argument 
in favor of his innocence, and he was committed to the peni- 
tentiary for three years, to crack stone or engage in any other 
employment, as the warden might dictate. Sic vita est. 

Success attended the efforts of the avengers in one more 
instance. The Governor of Kentucky readily issued a requi- 



114 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

sition for the apprehension of the whole band of the Russell- 
ville robbers, collectively and severally, and, by untiring pur- 
suit, the detectives and State officers at last found OH Shep- 
herd, the cousin of the gentleman who was spending his 
leisure moments in the Frankfort penitentiary. 

When OH Shepherd left Nelson county, he followed his 
cousin down through Tennessee, and into Western Missouri. 
He finally found a retreat in Jackson county, and took up his 
place of abode at Lea's Summit. Affairs in Missouri at this 
time had come to such a pass that no ordinary number of 
men could capture a guerilla bandit. Vigilance committees 
were necessary, and " the mother of invention " soon furnisheH 
them. The chief magistrate of the State issued his executive 
order for the arrest of Shepherd, and all that remained to be 
done was to inform the nearest vigilance committee of the 
order of the day. The magistrates acted with their usual 
promptness, and about twenty-five of them, properly armed, 
marched up to Lea's Summit. 

To be sure, there was very little chance for Shepherd's 
escape, or survival. But the old guerilla blood in his veins 
was as thick and vigorous as ever, and he determined not to 
be taken alive. It was like the obstinate bull opposing an 
approaching freight train rolling along with a heavy momen- 
tum. His pluck was to be commended; but his judgment — 
where was that? The men rode up to Shepherd's house and 
called him out. Shepherd seized his revolver and appeared, 
when the spokesman said: 

" Come, come, wc want no blood. You are our prisoner! 
Surrender or die!" 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



115 



But Shepherd raised his revolvers and shouted," Never!" 
The result was plain. Only one thing could be done, and 
this immediately at that, for, with the word. Shepherd com- 
menced emptying his revolvers into the besiegers, and indeed, 
before he fell, he fired fourteen shots. But he could not last 
long, for almost simultaneous shots from the twenty guns 
that instantly were centered at him, left seven bullet holes in his 
body. He weakened, fell over against a tree, and continued 
the last acts of his life to his dying breath. 

George Shepherd was now in the penitentiary at Frank- 
fort, Kentucky. Oil Shepherd was dead, and the others of 
the bandits were so scattered, and each one so disguised, that 
none of them were ever traced, or at least captured. Thus 
ended the first bold robbery by the James gang, after the 
war. 




CHAPTER XVII. 

THE SECRET CAVE A MYSTi^RIOUS RETREAT ITS SINGU- 
LAR DISCOVERY. 

Why did all trace of these bandits forever end at the bor- 
ders of Jackson county? Pursuits which bid fair to be suc- 
cessful were time and again carried to the very threshold of 
that locality, and there ended in confusion. Jackson county 
was known for years as the rendezvous of the gang, but 
where within its limits could they hide so securely ? True, 
they had friends there who would do their utmost to conceal 
them from danger, because they considered them persecuted 
men, and thought the hue and cry that was raised against 
them the work of enemies who still nursed old war time prej- 
udices. Few of these believed the James and Younger 
Brothers guilty of robbery. They refused to credit the dis- 
graceful charges brought against them, and continued to re- 
gard them as patriots. To these the boys might have run 
for safety from a band of pursuers who sought them in times 
of peace, but to repeatedly fly to them at times when excite- 
ment ran high over a bank or train robbery, would have at 
least aroused suspicion, and many of those retreats would 
have soon been closed against them ; for there were many 
honorable citizens in Missouri whose doors were open to these 
boys as refugees from what they considered the unjust rigor 
of a revengeful government, who would ve barred those 

116 



liS OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

doors against their as criminals fleeing from the law. Truly 
some credence Is due to the following story from the life of 
an old ex-guerilla — or else there are many people in Jackson 
county who knowingly have given aid and sympathy to rob- 
bers, and thereby became accessories to their outrages, besides 
bringing upon their community the odium with which that 
section has so long been regarded, because of the security 
found there by its outlaws. 

Recently, while searching among the old haunts of these 
renowned highwaymen for facts connected with their lives 
and crimes, the writer was recommended to call upon a man 
who followed Quantrell through the war, and pretty well" 
know^n to have taken a part in some exciting events since that 
time. In fact, though now enjoying the confidence of many 
respectable friends, and living entirely by the sweat of his 
brow, upon the fruits of honest labor, as a mechanic, 
there is much of his history enveloped in a cloud which those 
who i-espect lilm for his subsequent course, refuse to investigate. 
Upon this part)^ the writer called, and explained liis visit, but 
found that gentleman unwilling to figure before the public in 
any developments connected with the subject in question. 
But after some persuasion to the eflfect that as the old guerilla 
league had long since disbanded, many returning to their 
homes and resuming the tamer pursuits of civil life, while of 
those who had continued in a perilous course but one or two 
remained, and these had not been heard from for years, and 
had doubtless ceased their depredations; that In Jesse James 
had expired the last active member of the original league, and 
whatever of secrecy which had once bound them together as 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 119 

partizan warriors could not include new members recruited 
since for a different purpose ; and that while it was not our 
desire to have him violate his obligation to his old compan- 
ions, even though they had stretched those obligations so far 
as to use them in concealing unlawful acts done since the dis- 
bandment, I still beg^o^ed that he would crive us such infor- 
mation as he could reasonably impart, insisting that it was nO 
violation to reveal such secrets now, since they really serve to 
protect no one, unless it be a few strangers, unknown to the 
followers of Quantrell, and not co-equally bound by the oath 
by which they were so benefited. 

" Well," said the old guerilla, " what do you want to 
know?" 

I replied that I would like to ascertain, if possible, why 
the James Band as well as the guerillas, always found safety 
in Jackson county. That this was known to be their hiding- 
place is not denied by any one; time and time again they have 
been followed to that locality, and there disappeared. The 
Federals and civil officers alike were cheated there; to that 
point Quantrell always headed his retreat in time of danger; 
there Jesse James and his companions always went when 
closely pressed, and there they always escaped. Why was it? 

" Well," said Mr. , " I don't know but I could throw 

some light upon that question, and under the circumstances 
I see no objection to my doing so. It's a long story, but I 
guess I can keep you awake through it;" and lighting his 
pipe, the ancient pilgrim related this wonderful narrative . 

" Early in '62, when Quantrell first took up his quarters 
in Missouri, won by the novelty and freedom of guerilla life, 



i20 OUTLAWS OP THE BORDER. 

I joined the band, at that time in camp near Blue Springs. 
The boys had not then done much in the way of active 
service. I was one of the original ' nine,' and took part in 
the first important engagement with the militia. I was with 
Quantrell in all his subsequent battles of importance, until the 
fall of '64, when I went with Shepherd and some of the rest 
to Texas. Not long after I joined the guerillas I was out 
with a fellow named Goss on a scouting tour. Some Fed- 
erals were reported to have passed down the river road that 
day, and we were sent to learn somethhig of their where- 
abouts and the number of their force. We soon struck the 
' trail,' and followed along pretty briskly, as the Federals 
had g:ot a long: start, and vv'e were anxious to overtake them 
before they got much further. We had rode steadily for 
about six hours v/ithout seeming to get any nearer to the 
objects of our search, when, just as night came on, we turned 
a sharp bend in the road, and before we could check our 
pace we were right in the midst of a camp of' Yanks.' 

" Of course we had no buf>iness there, and with a couple 
of shots from our pistols, we turned and ' lit out.' But it was 
too late; our horses were getting tired from their long jour- 
ney, and we had not got far till we heard them gaining on us. 
The country was thoroughly familiar to me. I knew every 
nook and bv-way in the counlry. I soon saw that if we kept 
the road the Yanks would run us down sooner or later. We 
were coming^ to a path, — now overgrown with brush and 
weeds — that used to lead into the woods. I was ahead, and 
signaling to Goss, I turned into this path. But Goss had 
not understood me, and rode on too far to turn back before 




121 



122 OUTLAWS OF" THE BORDER. 



he realized the move, so ne went his way and 1 went mine. 
It wasn't long till I heard the Yankees ride by after Goss; 
then I retreated into the forest as far as it was possible to fol- 
low the path. By this time it was dark; I could go no fur- 
ther till morning. Besides, I did not want to return without 
knowing more about the Federals. So I tied my horse in a 
thicket and cut across on foot to the place where we had run 
into the encampment. 

" The country there is very rough ; high cliffs and deep 
ravines and dense thickets, seklom trodden by any feet but 
those of wild beasts, render that part of Jackson county 
comparatively uninhabitable. With considerable difficulty, 
although I had a pretty general knowledge of the situation, 
I made my way to the Federal camp, and after a careful 
observation, by which I found the force numbered larger 
than we had supposed, I retraced my steps. The moon 
had now arisen and made my way a little more cheerful and 
certain. This time I was able to shorten the distance con- 
siderably by scaling a ledge of high rocks which I was com- 
pelled to go around before, and in doing this I took a route 
where I suppose no man had ever been 

"I had reached a place near the top, and was just begin- 
ning to think that I hadn't gained much after all by shorten- 
ing the distance, when suddenly the earth gave way beneath 
my feet, and I sank, and slid, and fell down, down, down! 
till I thought I would never stop. When I 'landed,' I was in 
the dark, and considerably bruised. I groped around a little, 
but the place was strange, and I was afraid to move about 
much for fear of taking a new lurch and going further down. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



133 



1 had no matches, and no Idea where I was. Finally I thought 
of my pistols, and drawing one, fired it over my head. In 
the instant of light it flashed around me I saw that I was in 
a cave. Of course I was not delighted at the discovery, and 
attempted to get out by the way I had entered, but the wall 
was high and almost perpendicular, affording no hold for 
hand or foot, so, after several futile attempts, I gave up the 
intention for the time, and concluded to wait till morning cast 
some light on my surroundings, and making the best of the 
situation, I curled up in my new apartment and went to sleep. 

" I awoke just as day was breaking, and proceeded to ex- 
amine my situation. This I soon found was desperate in the 
extreme. The place through which I had fallen was entirely 
inaccessible to me. It was a narrow aperture at the end of 
a short, tunnel-shaped passage, which sloped abruptly into the 
cave, widening toward the base to within about eight feet of 
the bottom, when it ended in a steep wall of solid stone, 
smooth and slimy with a damp earth mold. To climb it was 
impossible; to expect assistance was madness, and the feeling 
of desolation and terror which came over me with the thought 
of starving in that terrible place, surpassed in intensity any- 
thing I have ever experienced, and I have been in some very 
close places since then. 

" But I didn't waste much time in gloomy reflection. I be- ' 
gan to look about for something from which I might gain a 
foothold hiofh enouo^h to reach above that wall. There was 
nothing movable in the place but some small stones and frag- 
ments of ledge rock, very hard to loosen, and a dead tree limb, 
which had evidently come in at the same time I did. With 



124 OC/TLAIVS OF THE BORDER. 



these I went to work, and befoi'e night hjid built a very shaky 
kind of platform which almost reached as high as my knees, 
when the material gave out. Not a loose stone remained in 
the wall or floor, nor any that could be loosened, except one, 
a very heavy piece which jutted from the corner near the 
floor. This was verv hard to move, but after repeated trials 
I could feel that it was getting looser. All that night I 
worked and pulled, with bloody hands, at that stone, in hope 
that it would add a few inches to my little tower. 1 knew 
it would not be enough when I should get it, but I worked 
on with the tireless patience which only desperation begets. 
At last it swung out and fell at my feet, and in its place" an 
aperture opened into another cell much larger than the first. 
In this I found another opening, from which descended, at a 
gradual incline, a long, broad passage way, which wound 
curiously to the base of the cliff", and opened behind a thick 
growth of brushwood. It was an outlet, and I breathed the 
free air once more. Of course I hurried to where my horse 
was tied, and was made happy by finding him still there. 

"Hungry and tired, but full of joy at the importance of my 
discovery of an excellent retreat for the band, I rode back to 
camj^, and reporting the result of my observations concerning 
the Federals, related my strange experience. A detachment 
was immediately sent to explore the place; this time we dis- 
covered another apartment, and decided that it could be made 
impregnable. We promptly destroyed all evidence of the 
upper entrance bv filling it with rocks and felling a large tree 
across it. Then the boys all ' moved in,' and we soon fitted 
up the cave in good shape for a place of repose, and stocked 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 125 

it with ammunition and supplies for a long siege. A cannon 
was afterward placed in position to command the remaining 
entrance so that, garrisoned by two men, the j^lace could be 
held against a regiment. That cave was our rendezvous, 
and was ever afterward used by us in times of danger. It 
was there we met — all that were left of us — after the Law- 
rence affair. The strictest secrecy concerning it was nnposed 
upon all, and no man who was not a member of Quantrell's 
band has ever been admitted to that cave." 

" But have not the strangers since admitted to compan- 
ionship with the James and Younger Brothers, as bandits, 
been taken into the secret?" 

" No. These men always separated after a raid ; the 
' old boys ' went to Jackson county ; the rest went where they 
pleased, and were generally caught or killed." 

" But you haven't told us where we can find this myster- 
ious place." 

" No, and I don't intend to. I have told enough; I need 
not have done so much, but in doing it I have not violated 
my obligations to the boys, and have done all I can to remove 
the suspicions which ignorance of this has long forced upon 
honorable citizens. The community of Jackson county is not 
responsible for the security its robbers have found there, and 
with this I decline to discuss the subject further." 

" But one more question : What became of Goss that night 
after you separated in the flight from the Federals?" 

" Oh, they killed him. He was a good boy, and laid out 
four men in that retreat, but there were more of them, and he 
had to cgme. I knew they'd get him, poor fellow!" 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

AMONG THE ROCKIES TO CAEIFORNIA " FOR THEIR 

HEALTH." 

It is among the absurdities to think that even such a 
" hero " as Jesse James would pass through such a bloody and 
dangerous career as that of the average guerilla, without re- 
ceiving many wounds. And a statement of that kind would 
be far from the truth. Jesse, though very young for one who 
had been spattered with so much blood, had faced many a 
revolver's flash, and did not escape without something to re- 
mind him of his numerous encounters. At this time he had 
no less than twenty wounds on his body — ranging in severity 
from a slight bruise of the flesh to broken bones, severed veins, 
and torn lungs. ' Indeed, he had been literally torn to pieces; 
but his vitality and strength of will had always held the pieces 
together until nature could mend his shattered body. But he 
abused the soft restorer. Often, ere his wounds had scarce 
stopped bleeding — while they were yet irritated and feverish — 
he would start boldly out on an expedition that would require 
a hundred and one per cent, of robust health — such as his 
ride from his home just after the Liberty bank robbery. And 
Frank was in the same boat, except that he received fewer, or 
less severe, wounds. But he also had received many wounds 
that had seriously impaired his health. He was at this very 
time securely hidden away in Chaplin, Nelson county, nursing 
the stubborn Brandenburg wound. Many of these wounds did 

136 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 127 

not heal in a day ; and to have several wounds kept in constant 
irritation would weaken the vitality of the strongest. And 
this was the case with the Jameses. They were both sick from 
their wounds. Moreover, Jesse was just relapsing from the 
excitement and peril that attended the Russellville bank rob- 
bery. He had ridden five hundred miles or more, through 
a rough country, at a time, and under such circumstances, that 
he could not always do just as his disposition would dictate. 
When he had left Chaplin, just after the Russellville affair, 
he piloted all his followers to the Mississippi, by day or by 
night, through glen or valley, or over hill or mountain, stream 
or rivulet, brush or bramble, and thence to what served as ev- 
erglades for the fugitives. 

This kind of work wore on Jesse's physical system. When 
he arrived among friends, who were numerous in Missouri, 
for many had hardly begun to believe, or even know, tkat 
Jesse at this time could have been squarely identified with 
such affairs as Liberty or Russellville, he anticipated a sea- 
son of rest. But these friends thought that something more 
than a season of rest was necessary. 

Dr. Joseph Wood, who had been Jesse's friend and physi- 
cian on a number of occasions, counseled him to take a change 
of climate, and allow his fractured lung to heal. The doctor 
thought a voyage by sea would be very beneficial to Jesse, fol- 
lowed by mountain atmosphere. 

Jesse thought the advice good, and concluded to arrange 
with Frank for a trip to the " golden West." The boys now 
had plenty of friends on hand, and such a trip would not be 
out of place. 



128 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

As his father had done years before, when his son was but 
a lad of five years, Jesse concluded to try the atmosphere of 
the far West. His father had left home and children for 
wealth. Jesse was going after health, and — we shall see what 
else. Accordingly, about the close of May, 1869, after an 
affectionate fiirewell of his mother and old home at Kearney, 
where the days of his boyhood had been spent, he started for 
New York, intending to make the trip by sea. Although 
unmasked and undisguised, he passed through the principal 
cities in crowded coaches, and often, no doubt, in the very 
presence of detectives longing for a sight of him, reaching the 
metropolis in safetv. In this heterogeneous city he met sev- 
eral old acquaintances with whom he spent a few days, pre- 
paratory to his departure for the Pacific slope. 

Strange as it may seem to the great mass of law abiding 
citizens, these kindred spirits of dark deeds and darker future, 
never for once thought of betraying their notorious compan- 
ions. The bond that united their hearts was stronger than 
all the inducement of reward. He could have remained for 
months, no doubt, in this, the heart of civilization, unmolested 
and vuiknown by but the few. 

Those who were at the docks where the steamship San- 
tiago De Cuba lay on the 8th of June, saw a young man, 
rather haggard and worn in appearance, step aboard, and im- 
mediately repair to one of the best state rooms of the vessel. 
This young man possibly would not have told any those 
who were watching him that his name was Jesse James, and 
yet it vx^as he. The ship was going to the Isthmus^ and so was 
its passenger. His little experience at RusscUville had placed 



OUTLAWS OF THR BoRDE^. tzg 

him in a condition, financially, not enjoyed by very many of 
those about him, and right royally did he make use of the ill- 
gotten means. Many a one on board the De Cuba was won 
over to the genial and intelligent young man. The voyage 
was a delightful one, and enjoyed as much by Jesse James as 
an ocean ride in beautiful weather and with agreeable com- 
panions, could be enjoyed by an individual with two bullet 
holes through his lung, and forty millions people desiring his 
immediate presence upon the scaffold. 

After reaching Panama, with its burning sun and malarial 
atmosphere, he rested for a day or two until another steamer 
should sail for the city of the Golden Gate. This rendezvous for 
all the worst characters under the sun, and perhaps a few from 
beneath the crust of the earth, opened up before his gaze 
about the first of August. Here he remained in inactivity for 
a short time, having been greatly refreshed by the journey 
from New York, and enjoying the salubrious atmosphere of 
San Francisco. 

But let us return a moment and inquire after the older 
brother. Where is he? The people around Russellville do 
not know, although they would like to. It is reported on 
the most reliable authority that he was, and had been since 
the robbery, concealed In the house of a most respectable cit- 
izen of Nelson county. Friends to the boys were by no 
means wanting in that region. There he was known, prin- 
cipally, as the bravest of Confederate soldiers; as the one who 
had fought the hardest for the lost cause ; as the heroic de- 
fender of Southern homes. Southern sentiments, and Southern 
money. Conseouentlv, after the " haul," safety, friendship, 
9 



i^a OtfTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

and physician's care were given him, until just previous i6 
Jesse's sailing he was driven to Lousville in a close carriage 
belonging to a friend. The unsuspecting inhabitants of the 
country through which he passed, including Fairfield, Smith- 
ville, Bloomfield and Mount Washington, little dreamed the 
name and character of him who sat within that vehicle. 
Having reached the metropolis of Kentucky, instead of going 
to some out of the way tavern, or unfrequented portion of the 
city, he was driven directly to the " Southern Hotel." Al- 
though surrounded with scores of inquiring eyes, he walks 
straight up to the register and writes " F. C. Marklapd, 
Kentucky." Audacity I Was ever utter fearlessness of man, 
law, mob violence, more fully exemplified than in such an act? 
Despite the cruelties enacted by these James Brothers, the un- 
governable hatred in their natures, the inhuman thirst for re- 
venge — despite these, the intrepidity of heart, the reckless 
bravery displayed in their deeds, the unquestionable ambition 
for leadership and equality with the best of the land, compel 
admiration, often, and a partial respect. 

After spending several days at Louisville with a few of 
his old companions whom he met, Frank sent word to his 
mother to meet him in Kansas City on a certain date, through 
which place he would pass on his way out West. He had 
concluded that the best place for him, in his weakened condi- 
tion, would be with his uncle in California. Accordingly 
he left Louisville for Obispo county, California, stopping 
only at Kansas City, when, at the house of a rela- 
tive, Mrs. Samuels' oldest boy bade her farewell, perhaps 
forever. 



OUTLAWS OK- THE BORDER. tjt 

It is pleasing to note tlie genuine affection which seemed 
ever to exist between these proscribed characters and their 
mother. As is generally true, they hated with a terrible 
hatred, but also loved the few upon whom their affections 
were placed, with as deep and abiding love as is often wit- 
nessed. The extremes of character are often blended in one 
nidividual, and so it seemed in their case. 

Several weeks before Jesse arrived on the steamer from 
New York, Frank reached San Francisco, but remained here 
but a short time, soon repairing to the home of his uncle, Mr 
D. W.James, who resided at the Hot Sulphur Sprin-^s The 
statements that have been n.ade regarding Frank's taking the 
same route as his brother and reaching the Pacific by vessel 
from New York, which, by the way, was corroborated in a 
published letter from Jesse, are without foundation in truth 
The letter undoubtedly was a blind prepared for the benefit 
of those who were after the boys. That Frank crossed the 
western half of the continent by rail, is attested to by a gen- 
tleman who traveled with him a great portion of the way 
and knew both the ex-guerillas well. ' 

At the home of his uncle he found a quiet retreat, fre- 
quented by invalids, and affording a most excellent opportunity 
to recruit his wasted energies. But soon desiring a change 
he visited an old friend by the name of Thompson, who 
owned a large ranche near by, and here he remained for sev- 
eral months. Not until after the arrival of Jesse upon Cali- 
fornia sod did he again return to Hot Sulphur Springs. Here 
the estranged outlaws met; after many months, during which 
each had suffered much, pain and had time to reflect upon their 



\p OUTLAWS OP mn BOlmnn. 

devilish deeds and probable fate, these American brig-ands 
clasped hands once more. 

They lived peaceably at their uncle's home, as gentle in 
manner and agreeable in conversation as society gentlemen. 
They were welcome boarders at the house of their relative. 
People who looked upon this youthful duet did not see the 
latent fire which burned within. Frank, with reticent, unob- 
trusive bearing; Jesse, with his brilliant talk, fine face, and 
polite demeanor, were not such characters as their new-found 
friends would ever have suspected as the most notorious ban- 
dits who ever defied law and society. 

The stay at the Springs wrought wonders in their physi- 
cal condition. Before the autumn leaves began to fall, each 
of the boys had entirely recovered his health, and felt as 
robust and full of fire as in any time of their history. But 
with this renewed strength came also the desire to see more 
of Western life, engage in some of their old sports, and 
should opportunity offer, startle the Nevada camps by a few 
crack shots from their belt companions. Here, at their 
uncle's, it was entirely too tame. The food they longed for, 
hay, must have, was excitement, thrilling excitement. Milk 
and fruit will do well enough for the infant and recluse, but 
something stronger, more stimulating, is demanded by the 
active man, full of life and vigor, surrounded by mountain air. 
If one nature shuns the busy world, with its many fierce 
strusfSfles, and disasfreeable brawls — its terrible action, but 
more terrible reaction— another individual dashes wildly into 
the fray, nor can he find peace except when the carnage is 
fit its height. So Frank and Jesse strapped their trusty 



134 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 

weapons about them and started for the camps among the 
Sonoma Mountains. Sports of various character occupied 
their attention for the first few weeks. Shooting, card- 
playing, dancing, horse-racing, and a hundred other rough 
frontier amusements afforded enjoyment, again stirring within 
them the unquenchable appetite for notoriety and " red hot " 
experiences. Accordingly, having run across a couple of 
ex-guirella friends of the States, the four concluded to visit 
" Battle Mountain " camp, where an opportunity might offer 
to " shake e'm up," as Frank expressed it. 

Before introducing our friends from Missouri to this 
encampment, it may be well to take a cursory glance at those 
who compose it. Like nearly all settlements among the 
Sierras at that date. Battle Mountain could boast of a repre- 
sentative from every land, race, color and social degree of 
which Western humanity had ever heard. Broken-down 
merchants, ambitious farmers, college men, horse thieves, 
escaped jail birds, Mexicans, Australians, Africans, Asiatics, 
Europeans and Americans — all could be found somewhere 
and at some time about this rendezvous for miners. If the 
visitors who are on their way to the camp are hard customers, 
not otherwise are those whom they will meet. The reputa- 
tion of the place was such as to frighten away timid souls, 
but had infinite attractions for such as knew not fear, and 
courted danger. If two gamblers fought and neither was 
killed, both were branded as effeminate, chicken-hearted spec- 
imens Q)i\}ciQ genus homo^ not worthy of a place among the 
camp's aristocracy. But should one of the combatants hap- 
pen to be cut into sausage meat with a big bowie knife^ th§ 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 135 

murder was either left unmolested, or strung up to the near 
est tree, according to his popularity. But shoot, cut and fight 
they would do all on a moment's notice, with the slightest 
provocation. 

Into such a crowd came the meek-looking Missourians. 
The two companions of the Jameses attracted some attention 
hy their loud talk and blustering manner; but the backward 
and youthful-appearing outlaws themselves were scarcely 
noticed by the inhabitants of saloons, gambling holes and the 
tavern which they visited. Finally, noticing a motley crew of 
males and females in an old rickety shanty near by, they 
went in and were soon busily engaged in cards with their 
reckless acqiiaiutances. Things moved along smoothly for 
quit awhile, the James Boys always refusing anything to 
drink, while the rest were quenching or provoking their 
thirst with the vilest whiskey. 

But a " circumstance " was soon to occur which would 
test the blood of the most desperate in that desperate and 
rollicking crowd. One of the Missourians detected his oppo- 
nent in the act of slipping a card up his sleeve. Immediately 
he threw down his " hand," and accused the " slinger of 
pasteboards" of cheating. The gambler emphatically denied 
the charge, and demanded retraction. Of course the Missou- 
rian answered this demand with a susfofestion that the oram- 
bier go to Hades. Whereupon, as quick as thought, the 
gambler drew a long dirk knife, and in a moment more would 
have plunged it into the breast of his accuser. But Jesse 
James happened to be watching the whole transaction, and 
appreciating the imminent peril of his friend, drew a pistol 



136 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

and sent a bullet through the heart of the desperado. The 
uplifted knife fell from his grasp, and the would-be murderer 
sank to the floor with a groan. As James fired this shot, the 
man who sat at the table with him also jerked out a revolver, 
and when Jesse turned to renew the game, he found the large 
muzzle pointed directly at his breast. With the most won- 
derful rapidity and skill, he whirled and shot the man dead 
before the latter could pull the trigger. In a moment all was 
uproar. The gamblers from all parts of the house jumped 
from their seats, and rushed to the scene of action. In the 
scramble the lights were suddenly extinguished, chairs and, 
tables upset, and everything was In the direst confusion. 
Above the din, Jesse's voice was heard, as he cried: "Stand 
back! Be ready!" His three partners understood it and 
rushed for the door, which they succeeded in reaching after 
a fierce struggle. It was a wild scene. The click of the 
trigger, the rattle of knives clashing together, the explosion 
of the pistols, the shriel^s of the terrified women, the cursings 
of a drunken and infuriated mob, together with the piteous 
groans of those who had been shot, cut, or knocked down, 
made the moment one of the most terrific ever experienced, 
even in that fearful den. By the aid of pistol flashes, Jesse 
managed to reach the door, but here he encountered two 
burly fellows ready to send a knife to his heart as soon as he 
should attempt an exit. He took in the situation at a glance, 
and with lightning rapidity sent a ball crashing through the 
brain of one, and knocked the other down with the butt end 
of his revolver. The crowd swayed toward him, but leaping 
QVer the groaning wretches he had floored, he gained the free 



138 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

air, and the presence of his companions. A Hght having been 
struck by this time, the four, as they looked through the 
window, could see three men dead, weltering in their gore, 
while four or five others were seriously if not mortally 
wounded. Jesse had done the most of it, although the other 
three had been sending in a shot through the windows now 
and then, which was by no means lost. 

As soon as the results were seen by the gamblers, there 
being neither of the strangers injured, while at least seven of 
their own number had fallen, the cry for " Vengeance ! " was 
raised, and with a grand rush they started in pursuit of the 
murderers. The James party had retired a short distance * 
from the house, and stood talking over their experience. 
Whether they expected the mob after them or not, they did 
not attempt to escape. The infuriated crowd came pushing 
toward them. Jesse, who was always spokesman, cried out: 

" Back, you d d miscreants! Stand hack, I say!" Instead 

of obeying, they came on yelling, " Revenge! Down with 
the dogs!" "Boys, we are in for it," cried Je^se. "All 
right! Be ready!" Then turning to the crowd, he shouted: 

" Come on, d -n you! Just come ahead and be killed!" 

The four Missourians leveled their pistols and sent four of 
the mob into another existence. Again the flash of their 
four pistols was seen, and two more of the oncoming crowd 
dropped, seriously wounded. The pursuers hesitated a mo- 
ment. They parleyed among themselves as to the best 
method of taking them, but while thus their attention was 
taken away, the four escaped in the darkness, and were never 
jnore seen in the region of Brittle Mountain, 



CHAPTER XIX. 

JESSE AND FRANK JAMES AGAIN IN MISSOURI. 

After the fearful experience at Battle Mountain, the 
James Boys found a little rest among the mountains of the 
West. For a few days they were concealed in Winnemunca, 
but as soon as an opportunity presented, they took leave of 
their few friends, and secretly departed for a more congenial 
clime. Their connection with the fight had been made 
known throughout that entire region. Well they knew that 
the penalty would be sufficient and speedily paid, should they 
happen to fall into the hands of the reckless crowd seeking 
them. 

Consequently before Christmas of '69 had come, the out- 
laws were on their way back to Missouri and ex- guerilla 
friends. But their da^^s of peace were over. They had 
sown the wind, and were to reap the whirlwind. 

Arrived at the haunts in Clay county, they found their 
sympathizers few and far between. Most of those with 
whom they had lived and fought were no more. Very few 
of the number who had survived were at all willing to treat 
the proscribed characters with friendliness. They found a 
spirit of hatred engendered against the guerillas which was 
anything but comfortable. It being now rumored that Jesse 
and Frank James had again taken up their abode near the 
old farm, the atmosphere rose several degrees in temperature 



140 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

around that section. It was indeed an unenviable welcome, 
but such as they must have expected. As they had never 
hesitated to strike any and every human being who stood in 
their way, so was the reaction of their work, as expressed in 
public sentiment, bitter and unmerciful. Instead of retaining 
the conviction that these young men were honest, the people 
now were ready to believe them guilty of anything. Was 
a horse stolen, a petty thief committed, a house broken into 
— anything of a lawless character — Jesse and Frank James 
received the credit of it. 

And now considerable has been said regarding the effect 
of such accusations upon the lives of these desperadoes. A 
recent writer devotes considerable time in proving that they 
were driven into outlawry by the false charges and great 
wrongs that were hurled upon them by the people at large. 
That had nothing but truth been spoken of them after they 
returned from the Pacific slope, and had the militia of earlier 
days been less barbarous in their treatment of the family, the 
name of Jesse and Frank James would not to-day be such a 
reproach to their State and country as they are. That indi- 
rectly, the treatment which the Jameses received at the hands 
of their enemies, is the prime cause of all future acts. 

It is true the militiamen ruthlessly dragged Dr. Samuels 
from his home and strung him to a tree; that they then vis- 
ited Jesse in the field where, with lash and whip, they striped 
him from head to foot, finally leaving him in an almost dying 
condition; that time and again that public sentiment which 
is often more powerful than the sword, came down upon 
ex-guerillas when innocent. And to say that these things 




!)!ii|!;i!Hiiiiiiii!Hiiii;iiiii!n'n;i!''^'iiiii;i,7i'ffl/m!iifWi/(iiiiiy^ 



mks^ 



^ '/■''■, III ' I' 



jr.;/" 






ata'JiiMiiiiit-'iV 



i^i OUTLAWS OF THE ^6 RDM. 

did not "bear some influence in determining the future course 
of these men, would be to deny that circumstances partially 
control every man's career. But no amount of ill-treatment 
could have put within them the demon of bloodshed and mur- 
der, prompting the committal of deeds which would shame 
the dwellers around Cocytus. It is too true that the bitter 
feelings between North and South — between militiamen and 
guerillas — fed the flames of fury burning in the breasts of 
each class, but other men hated without swearing eternal 
vengeance; other men fought gallantly and desperately until 
the cry of peace was heard throughout the borders of t)ur 
stricken land, without unrelentingly continuing the warfare 
forever and aye. Men with better natures and more human 
ethics listened to the angel of peace and said, "It is enough;" 
thousands of genuine heroes, as brave and daring as ever 
sat in saddle, or carried a gun; heroes whose wrongs and ill- 
treatment measure far more than those of the lawless brig- 
ands of Clay county, Missouri, whose footprints from the 
Mississippi to the Atlantic were colored by the crimson drops 
flowing from their maimed and bleeding members; thou- 
sands of such laid down the mantle of war at the first com- 
mand from the authorities at Washington, and have lived as 
law-abiding, respected citizens ever since. No amount of 
ill-usage can ever excuse, although it may modify, the crimes 
of these notorious men. Law is too sacred a thing to be 
trampled under foot, no matter what impels men to do it. 
And he who does it may look for naught else than the weight 
of its heavy hand upon his shoulder. Give the devil his due 
— let the subjects of this sketch be admired for their bravery, 



OUTLAWS OF THE BOkDkR. 



HZ 



their intrepidity, their respect for womanhood, but never can 
they be considered less accountable for their atrocities because 
of indignities they may have suffered at the hands of others. 

Very soon after the James Boys returned from California, 
and even before any one scarcely was aware of their presence, 
a second robbery, as audacious and effective as the Russell- 
ville scheme, was perpetrated. The people of Clay county 
and vicinity had heard of the presence of Jesse and Frank 
James in the West, and still believing them there, the plan 
and execution of the robbery about to be mentioned was as 
great a surprise as it was a horror. 

Gallatin, Daviess county, Missouri, is a small town of 
about one thousand inhabitants. In 1869 it was in a flourish- 
ing condition, having recovered from the effects of the war to 
a great extent. A single bank held the extra funds of the 
community, which about this time were supposed to be quite 
"flush." If any of the good-natured and quiet Gallatinians 
had witnessed thrilling exploits and daring deeds during the 
Rebellion of the few years past, they were to see something 
that would eclipse any of their former experiences in point of 
recklessness and outlawry. It was to happen on the i6th 
day of December of this year. The air was clear and frosty. 
The wind cut like a knife, and kept most of the men within 
doors. The streets were well-nigh deserted, and there seemed 
to have settled over the village a calm such as always pre- 
cedes a storm upon the ocean. Suddenly there was heard 
the tramp of horses' hoofs and the crack of pistols. People 
rushed to the windows and doors, but speedily retired before 
the threatening commands of the armed strangers to remain 



t44 OUTLAWS OJ^ THE BdRDEn. 

unseen. On came the band of desperadoes, shooting and 
yelling, thereby completely paralyzing the senses of those 
who heard and saw. The surprise was so complete, the 
shock so overwhelming, the men stood looking at each other, 
without moving a hand or uttering a single warning cry. 
Straight up to the bank two of the party rode. The cashier. 
Captain John W. Sheets, stood V)ehind the counter all alone. 
One of the men immediately covered him with a revolver, 
w^hile the other emptied the safe of its cash deposits. When 
all the money was safely stowed in a sack provided for the 
purpose, the robber who had relieved the safe of its contents 
stepped up to Captain Sheets, placed a revolver at his head, 
and without a shadow of cause, blew his brains out. The 
two then mounted their horses, joined the remainder of the 
gang, and disappeared as quickly as they had appeared 

The tragedy just enacted was short but decisive. The 
plan and execution manifested not only pluck but brains. 
No ordinary individual led the raid. At once the cry was 
raised that Jesse James, the notorious guerilla, was at the 
head of the gang. Immediately a score or more of the 
bravest mounted their steeds, and started after the robbers in 
hot pursuit. Most of them were ex-militiamen, and were 
not unaccustomed to the saddle. They were also fired with 
the dastardly murder of their esteemed fellow townsman. 
Captain Sheets had been at the head of a company of militia 
during the war, and was as brave a soldier as ever carried a 
musket. Even those who had opposed his principles during 
the war, now respected and honored him as a citizen. The 
news of his death had spread like wildfire; and many an eye 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 145 

dampened at hearing the sad news. Why did they shoot 
him ? What possible reason could there be for such a bloody 
deed? None could be divined then, but it has since been 
learned that he was mistaken for another man, Lieutenant 
Cox, who was supposed to have shot Bill Anderson, the 
guerilla. A flimsy excuse, indeed, which can never satisfy 
the feelings of an indignant people. 

With full purpose to give no quarter, should they over- 
take the outlaws, the horsemen dashed out of the city as fast 
as their steeds could carry them. The robbers had gr ined 
quite a start, and were as used to the saddle as the old Greek 
to fine sculpture. No ordinary horseflesh was theirs, either. 
Men who had ridden with Quantrell understood the advan- 
tages to be gained in having fleet steeds. Consequently they 
were not to be so easily overtaken. One, two, three hours 
passed, and still no sight of the bandits. It was an exciting 
time. The pursuers had been completely surprised and par- 
alyzed by the bold desperadoes; but now they had recovered 
their senses, and thirsted for vengeance. In Gallatin, all was 
confusion and excitement. Women whose husbands had 
gone in pursuit were weeping over the prospect of never see- 
ing them more, alive; while knots of men and boj^s were to 
be seen on the corners, straining their eyes to catch the first 
glimpse of a returning horseman. The fleeing ex-guerillas 
were easil}' tracked toward Clay county. Finally the pur- 
suers came upon them. The charge was so sudden that for 
a moment the robbers were demoralized, but being com- 
manded to " fire " by their leader, they did so with fearful 
havoc. The repulse was severe — it was fatal. It persuaded 
10 



1^.6 OUTLAjrS OF THE BORDER. 

the oncomino^ crowd that a little more discretion and a 
greater number of men would he much more likely to cap- 
ture the roughs. A man was immediately dispatched for 
reinforcements, while the company rested on their oars. 
That rest was fatal to their plans. The outlaws moved on 
toward Clay county with all speed, and as soon as they 
crossed the county line, nearly all trace of them was lost. No 
one could tell anything about such a company of men. The 
inhabitants, for the most i:)art, were probably not willing to 
risk their precious necks by informing on the well-known 
characters; and it is not altogether improbable that the pur- 
suers were talking to one of the gang frequently, when 
inquiring for the rest. At any rate, the murderers of Sheets 
were as safe from capture as a lion in the labyrinths of Asia, 
the pursuit of which would be futile of good results, while 
it might be pregnant with danger. Accordingly the chase 
was abandoned. The defiers of law were seen no more. 
Like a swift flying meteor, as it sweeps across the heavens, 
threatening instant destruction to everything in its path, is 
soon lost below the horizon, or disappears in mid an-, so this 
daring, reckless, desperate band of men had rushed upon a 
startled town, accomplished their devilish desires, and as sud- 
denly vanished from sight, to be recognized no more forever. 
There can be little doubt that the James Boys were 
implicated in this affair. Although very soon after the rob- 
bery, reporrs having reached their cars tliat people generally 
believed them connected with it, they rode into Kearney, 
with the avowed intention of shooting the first man who 
accused them of it. The inhabitants of Kearney, however, 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



47 



knew their neighbors well enough to keep quiet in their 
presence; nor, indeed, did many of them care to express 
themselves positively at any time. Jesse and Frank pro- 
cured affidavits, in some manner or other, declaring that they 
were at home during the robbery. Jesse published a letter 
in which he said that he and Frank would deliver themselves 
up and submit to a trial, if Governor Craig would guarantee 
no violence from the mob in Daviess county. Governor 
Craig examined the evidence thoroughly, and published a 
letter in Vvdiich he said that the James Boys were undoubt- 
edly innocent of the charge in this case. The people gener- 
ally, however, were fully convinced that these leaders of the 
lawless element in that section were in some way abettors of 
the crime; and a firm determination was manifested to root 
out the nest at all hazards. Whether guilty of this or not, 
the Boys' past record was against them, and they must sub- 
mit to the natural consequences of their own folly. A repu- 
tation is sometimes much sought after, but not always most 
acceptable when obtained. The rejDutation of these Boys 
was not particularly conducive to their happiness. There 
were times, no doubt, when they would as soon have been 
without a reputation — times when the comparatively pure 
thoughts of their childhood came rushing in upon their mem- 
ory, like the clear, crystal waters of a mountain stream into 
the angry, turbulent ocean; times when the power to blot 
out all their hellish deeds with one sweep of a magic brush, 
and begin life anew, were wprth more than the courage and 
ability to vanquish a nation. Moments in which one week of 
peaceful^ restful life^ such as millions of their countrymen 



I4S 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



were enjoying, would be a greater delight than the applause 
of ten thousand characters similar to themselves. 




CHAPTEP XX. 

THE NOTED OUTLAWS IN DANGER CAPTAI.V THOMASON 

ATTEMPTS THEIR ARREST DETECTIVES AFTER THEM 

EVERY EFFORT FAILS. 

Captain Tliomason nad been an officer in the Confederate 
army, and for unswerving fidelity to principle and undaunted 
courage, no man in the State of Missouri surpassed him. He 
had made his home since the war in Clay county, the rendez- 
vous of the James clan. Time and time again he had 
expressed his willingness to assist in enforcing the law against 
the desperadoes; but an opportunity had not presented itself 
until the Gallatin robbery. Having been sheriff of this county 
he knew well the haunts of suspicious characters, as also the 
dangers attached to any attempt at their capture. Believing, 
however, that Jesse and Frank James were the most dan- 
gerous enemies to the community and country at large, he 
placed himself at the head of a posse of men, and started for 
the Samuels' residence. 

In the meantime his intentions and movements were not 
unknown to those whom he sought. News had reached the 
Samuels' residence that he was coming — as news always 
reached that residence, no one knew how. At any rate, 
Jesse and Frank thought they would save him the trouble 
and embarrassment of inquiring for them at the house, so 
they rode out quite *a distiince to meet the brave captain and 

149 



i^o OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



posse. As soon as the two parties came within range, they 
opened fire. Crack! crack! went the pistols of a score of 
Missouri's loyal sons; but the James Boys sat as quietly and 
unharmed as though no leaden messengers of death were 
cutting the air about their heads. They came closer and 
closer. Finally Captain Thpmason's horse was shot from 
under him. Being thus crippled for the fight, and no one 
else of the party caring to lead in a charge, the two despera- 
does were permitted to ride away without injury. So ended 
another attempt to put shackles on the subjects of this 
narrative. 

Captain Thomason was chagrined at his defeat, but all the 
more strongly convinced that the James household should be 
exterminated. Nor did he hesitate to express his conviction. 
Fearlessly did he accuse Jesse and Frank of many crimes, and 
constantly urge the necessity of a more determined effort 
ao-ainst them. He gfot down to the bedstock of all the vil- 
lainy when, in unmeasured terms, he charged old Mrs. Samuels 
with being deeper in intrigues than her sons. By his unre- 
strained tongue, she was accused of being the " vilest and most 
dangerous specimen of masculine femininity" that ever graced 
or disgraced a civilized community. Nothing was too mean 
for her to do, he thought. Should the mother cease her re- 
lentless goading, the boys would have less incentive to action. 
Mrs. Samuels heard of these sayings. Immediately she re- 
solved to have satisfiiction, and teach the gallant Captain that 
he must limit his remarks. A liorse was brought out, the Doctor 
helped her into the saddle, and the ten miles of country be- 
tween the two residences soon separated them no longer. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 1^1 

Arriving at Captain Tho mason's house she walked straight 
in. The family were at the table partaking of their noonday 
meal. Without apparently noticing the new comer, the Cap- 
tain continued eating. This was indeed a cool reception, and 
somewhat dampened the visitor's ardor. However, walking 
straight up to her accuser, she said : » Sir, I understand that 

you have called me a !" 

"Yes, madam, I have," said he, "and I now give you to 
understand that if ever I, or any of my relations are injured 
by you or yours, in the least thmg, I swear before heaven and 
earth that there shall not be a stone left of your house." 
" There won't, hey?" was the reply. 

"No ma'am, there won't," continued the Captain, "and if 
any killing is to be done, it may be well for you to kill all my 
family, and leave none to avenge the injury." 

It was enough. Mrs. Samuels concluded she could pos- 
sibly serve herself best by immediately returning, which she 
proceeded forthwith to do. The plucky woman had mistaken 
her man. She had come to demand satisfaction, but carried 
away considerable "dissatisfaction." 

Detectives from St. Louis and Chicago were beginning to 
take considerable interest in working up the case of the out- 
laws by this time. One of these from Chicago visited Kear- 
ney, and hired out to a farmer near by, where he remained 
several weeks, learning all he could about the coming and 
going of Jesse and Frank, but failed to elicit anything suffi- 
ciently posidve to warrant a further attempt at their capture. 
Another from St. Louis walked from a neighboring town with 
a pack on his back selling needles, pins, etc., etc. He even 



^52 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



visited Dr. Samuels' residence, and took dinner with the family^ 
paying for the same out of his store. Although considerable 
time was spent in the house, and every conceivable bait pre= 
sented, the same result followed w^hich had been experienced 
by his predecessors — nothing could be learned as to the where- 
abouts of Jesse and Frank. Parties from Daviess county 
also were active in efforts to ferret out the robbers, and accom- 
plish their capture. The boys were known to be in tlie county 
somewhere; but all their schemes to draw information as to 
their exact location proved futile. Many dollars were spent, 
and nothing gained. The wily foes to humanity and peace* 
evaded every attempt, and chuckled over their triumph. 




CHAPTER XXI. 

AXOTHER THRILLING TRAGEDY AT COLUMBIA, KENTUCKY. 

Superstitious people are always ready to believe in the as- 
sistance of supernatural agencies, when any extraordinary 
train of events follow in rapid succession. When in the rebel- 
lion defeat after defeat followed the efforts of the Northern 
troops, many good old souls said : " Well, the cause is lost. 
The Pates are against us I" And then when the tide of battle 
changed, and the Southerners were routed, .the cry of victory 
in the North was heard, and the red, white and blue waved over 
the fallen rampants of the Confederacy; then said this same 
class, "Providence is favoring us. .Heaven has decreed that 
the Union shall be saved." 

That may be all true. Heaven may have decreed thus, but 
had the South possessed more money, soldiers, ammunition and 
ability than could have been mustered among their Northern 
brethren, the victory would have gone to the Confederacy. 
As certainly as the sum of the three angles of a triangle are 
equal to two right angles, so surely will the strict obedience to 
natural law bring success. Gen. Grant captured Vicksburg 
by means of a clear head and persistent effort. " Accidental" 
successes are scarce. Brains and courage help men more than 
the fates. This is the rational way to look at the remarkable 
escapes of Jesse and Frank James. They alv/ays had well 
matured plans before making an attack. Everybody in the 

153 



154 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

neighborhood was not apprised of their presence two or three 
days beforehand. When people generally thought them in 
Kentucky they were most likely to be in Missouri; when the 
detectives were after them in New York, they suddenly turned 
up down in Texas. Shrewd scheming kept them out of the 
hands of the law. They were never idle. Although unseen? 
they were always digging. They studied their own resources. 
They made themselves acquainted with all the possibilities and 
probabilities of a raid. No deed of darkness was ever com- 
mitted by them voluntarily without having prearranged a sure 
retreat. No, if these desperate men had startled fifty million 
people with their audacious escapades, and still walked the 
earth uncaught, it was not either fortune. Providence, or the 
devil that carried them through, but cool thought and fiery 
execution. This was the case in the robber}^ about to be 
related. 

Kentucky was again to be the scene of action, and Co- 
lumbia, Adair county, the particular place. It was a village 
of no great pretensions, and yet enjoying an air of peace and 
prosperity. Many of its inhabitants had fought in the late 
war, but had settled down to regain what they had lost. 
Especiall}- quiet and peaceful appeared the town upon the 
29th of April, 1872. Springtime had come, the flowers 
were casting their sweet fragrance over all that beautiful 
region; while the birds welcomed in their new found joys 
with gladsome song. Near the town were men in the field 
getting in their crops, plowing, harrowing, planting, in short, 
attending to the ordinary affiiirs of farm life. In the village 
all was quiet. Not very much noted for their " push and 



^OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER 1 55 

drive," these Southern gentlemen were not desirous of any 
great activity upon the day in question. Scarcely any build- 
ing was going on in the place, and trade was stagnant. The 
farmers were too busy to come to town, while the townsfolk 
were not particularly anxious for their presence and extra 
duties. At such a time as this, and about two o'clock in the 
afternoon of the aforementioned day, five men might have 
been seen entering the village of Columbia. They did not 
come from the same direction, however. Three came in by 
one road, while the other two appeared at the other end of 
the town. Of course no suspicion was aroused in this way, 
and the two companies passed along, almost unnoticed. There 
was nothing extraordinary in the appearance of their attire or 
manner — all wore broad-rimmed hats, as was customary, 
and rode along without exchanging a word. As they came 
near each other their horses' heads were all turned down the 
main street, and in a few moments they had pulled up and 
dismounted at the bank. Three of the party immediately 
strode into the bank, while the remaining two held the horses. 
This excited suspicion in the minds of a few passers-by, and 
immediately the alarm was given that a gang of robbers had 
entered the bank, and were at that moment rifling the safe 
and drawers. This was verified a moment later by hearing 
pistol-shots within the bank. Several men started to the 
rescue, but the desperadoes who were holding the horses at 
once began a fire upon every one who appeared. With terri- 
ble threats, accompanied with the most appalling oaths, the 
robbers on the outside frightened the populace, and literally 
cleared the streets. 



156 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



In the meantime, the three who entered the bank found 
Mr. R. A. C. Martin, the cashier, Mr. Garnet, a citizen, and 
two other gentlemen quietly conversing on the topics of the 
day. Immediately these gentlemen were covered with re- 
volvers, and ordered to hold up their hands. Mr. Garnet, 
being slow to obey, narrowl}^ escaped being shot through the 
head, as one of the desperadoes pulled the trigger, but missed 
his game by Mr. Garnet knocking the pistol to one side 
slightly. iMo more firing was done then, as it was not desired 
to awake the townsfolks until the booty was captured. 

One of the outlaws stepped up to the cashier, and point-i. 
ing his pistol at him, said: " Give us the keys to that safe!" 

Mr. Martin replied, " I shall not, sir." 

" Then, d n you," replied the robber, " I'll blow your 

brains out. Quick! I mean business!" 

The brave cashier uttered his last words v/hen he 
answered: " I shall never do it; I will die — " But as he said 
this last word, the awful looking mouth of the pistol belched 
forth its death-dealing load, and heroic Mr. Martin fell to the 
floor, a lifeless corpse. Without the loss of a moment's time 
the murderer began his plunder, but was badly foiled in try- 
ing to unlock the combination lock. The other men in the 
meantime had a murderous looking revolver pointing at them, 
while the individual who held it, reminded them that they 
were in the same danger as their dead companion, and did 
they " stir a peg," more brains would be scattered over the 
floor. 

Having put all the valuables that could be found in a sack, 
the three withdrew from the bank and mounted their horses. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



^S1 



One of them threw the sack over his saddle in front of him, 
and they started off, cursing, yelhng, threatening and shooting 
— the monarchs of all they surveyed, and the terror of all 
who saw them. 

Mr. Martin, the murdered cashier, was a gentleman of 
high repute. He was not only loved and respected by the 
people of Columbia, but by a large circle of friends all over 
Kentucky. At the time of his death he was a member of 
the Kentucky Legislature, and stood among the first in 
importance. So by killing Mr. Martin the desperadoes had 
wounded hundreds of others who would use every means in 
their power to hunt theiri down. Columbia had been taken 
by surprise. A few bold characters, who show they are not 
afraid of death, can inspire such fear in an entire community 
sometimes as to paralyze all their energies. Mediaeval his- 
tory tells of a youthful band of warriors who went out to 
meet ten times, their number in battle. The commander of 
the larger force heard of the meager number that was com- 
ing to meet him,, and disdained to have a fight with such a 
crew. He sent a messenger to them, saying: "I have three 
thousand men. You have but a mere handful. If you will 
surrender quietly you and yours shall be treated well. If 
not, you shall be swept away like a whirlwind." The mes- 
sage was delivered. Immediately the youthful captain said 
to one of his men: "Take this dagger and plunge it into 
your heart." The soldier did as he was bidden. Again the 
captain said to another, "Go and leap into yon abyss." The 
order was obeyed. " Now," said the captain to the messen- 
ger, "go back. Tell your commander what you have seeri. 



58 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



And tell him that three hundred as brave as these and as 
regardless of life, stand ready to meet all who may come." 
The messenger hurried back, related what he had seen, and 
immediately gathering up the baggage, the army of three 
thousand fled from the vicinity of such men, and never after 
returned. 

So in this case. The people of Columbia were afraid to 
move a hand because the robbers were not afraid. But as 
soon as all the terrible news reached their ears — when they 
looked upon the bloody corpse of their gallant and faithful 
friend — a frenzy took possession of the people. Men swore 
they would never sleep or eat till the wretches were dead. 
A band well equipped and well armed was soon formed. 
Speedy fiirewells were taken of their friends, and the pur- 
suers dashed out of the city. The robbers were traced here 
and there. Now they were close upon them; now they 
could not be heard of. Still the determined band of pursuers 
kept after them. Finally, in Fentress county, Tennessee, 
among the mountains, one of the robbers by the name of 
Saunders, was wounded and captured. The pursuit was at 
length given up, as all trace of the others was lost. Saun- 
ders was really the notorious Bill Longley, one of the bosom 
friends of Jesse and Frank James. They had met him in 
Texas, and the three had been boon companions ever since. 
It was well known that this Longley was with the James 
gang. Hence it appeared conclusive evidence of their con- 
nection with the tragedy. It is also now pretty well estab- 
lished that Frank James killed the cashier, while Jesse terrified 
the ci owd outside, 



CHAPTER XXII. 

THE BOYS AND CIVILIZATION. 

Although spending most of their time on the plains of 
Texas, in the forests of Missouri, or beyond the borders of 
civilization, the James Boys enjoyed seasons of " high life " 
in the centers of our population. They were uneasy. Wild, 
dashing, reckless living charmed them more than any other 
kind of existence; yet even that became dull and monoto- 
nous at times. As a rule they cared little for society, although 
Jesse could entertain a crowd with his wit and audacity as 
well as the best. Frank was particularly reticent. He 
enjoyed watching others at games and amusements, more 
than taking part himself. Both were cautious. A close 
observer would have noticed that when either spoke there 
was a restraint upon his tongue, and he watched guardedly 
those with whom he conversed. A constant study of human 
nature, and quick perceptive faculties enabled them to see 
through almost any disguise, and discover treachery. They 
were not without some culture, either. The Grand Pacific, 
at Chicago, or the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York, contained 
no guests too refined or cultured to enjoy descriptions of sea 
voyages and travels by Jesse James. 

They had within them the nature of their mother, but also 
that of their father. Not wholly illiterat e when they left 
home, their mingling with all classes of men had been an 

^59 



l6o OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER 

education to their ready minds, whicli assisted wherever the}^ 
went. When fired with excitement and revenge, they were 
like wild beasts — heartless, cold-blooded, and desperate. 
When squandering the treasures of Russellville, Gallatin or 
Columbia, at fashionable resorts or in the cities, they were as 
gentle and humane, apparently, as any about them. Total 
abstinence was an established rule of their lives. No amount 
of jDcrsuasion could induce either to touch a glass of intox- 
icating liquors — an example that could be profitably followed 
by many considering themselves better men. 

It is said that while Pinkerton's detectives were searching 
every nook and corner of Clay county, Missouri, for the 
outlaws, they were smoking Havana cigars and eating 
delicacies at the Grand Pacific hi Chicago. And while a 
company of soldiers were scouring Missouri for them, Jesse 
and Frank were listening to Booth in New York. Like the 
Dutchman's flea, v/hen you put your hand on them they are 
not there. Capable of assuming any character, and scarcely 
ever living under the same name three months at a time, they 
need by no means remain in exile. Although the outlaw 
Jesse James had been proscribed, yet the gentleman from 
London, Charles Sprague, was respected by all who knew 
him. At one time a jolly, whole-souled farmer from an 
unknown county in Illinois, at another, a merchant from 
Nebraska in the city purchasing goods. It is related that the 
day following the Corydon robbery, in which Jesse James 
had acted a conspicuous part, after spending the night in a 
thicket near by, he was just emerging into the road, with a 
granger's suit on, when he beheld two men a distance off 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. i6i 

coming toward him. From . their appearance he concluded 
they were after him. So, instead of going off in the direction 
he had intended, he turned toward the horsemen and rode 
along to meet them. Coming up to them he assumed the air 
of an illiterate farmer, and addressed them as follows : 

"Hello, friends, whar are you goin' ?" 

"We do not know exactly, sir," was the reply. 

"Wall, that's square. But say, yer 'onerable, upright men, 
ain't you?" 

"Well, my friend, do we look like rogues?" answered one of 
the gentlemen. 

"No, you don't, strangers," said the granger, "an' you'll 
'xcuse me fur axin you, but you -see I am on the hunt for 
hoss thieves, an' am goin to put that question to every coon I 
meet, an' ef thar is a shadder of 'spicion, these here weapons 
will learn them not to steal another hoss." 

"Where are you from?" said one of the robber hunters, for 
they really were a couple of the party who started in search 
of the desperadoes. " Where were the horses stolen ? We 
have heard nothing about it." 

"Way down on the Noderway. Hevn't you heern of the 
Noderway bottom ? Well, them durned whelps jist walked 
down thar the other night and toted off two of the best 
animils in the hull bottom. This 'ere is a colt of one of the 
mars, though you can't tell nothin' 'bout this critter now, she's 
so near tuckered out. I've been ridin' two days as fast as 
Dolly's legs could cerry me, an' I'm most afeard they'll give 
out 'fore long. But look 'yur, strangers, mayn't I ax you 
whar you're goin'?" 



1 52 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

" We were on the search for some villains that robbed 
Corydon bank yesterday. Have you seen any one on the 
road this morning?" 

The granger scratched his head a moment, then as if sud- 
denly remembering having seen some one, he said: 

" By jingo, I did see four tough lookin' chaps 'bout two 
hours ago, an' they were ridin' like blixen." 

" How far from here do you suppose they were ?" asked 
one of the hunters eagerly. 

" Wall, I've rid purty fast. Lesse; it's 'bout twelve mile, 
strangers, an' ef they hev rid as fast as me, ther' is anyhow 
twenty-five mile atwixt us." 

After a short consultation, the gentlemen of Corydon 
inquired whether he was sure there was four, and what they 
looked like. To which our verdant tiller of the "Noderway 
bottom" answered: 

" Yas, ther' was four, and they was mean lookin' jakes, 
too. I kinder thought they might be boss thiefs, but when I 
put the thing to one of 'em the hull four glared at me in sich 
a way, an' let out sich a volley of cussin' that I did not keer 
much to tackle 'em. I've got good weepons, but they 
pulled out some ones as big as two of mine, an' told me to git, 
I'm not a coward, uther, but I did git when they told me, an' 
I'd 'vise you fellers to git sum renforcements ef yer goin' to 
take 'em in." 

" We have two more men behind us a little piece, who 
will shortly be along. And now, friend, can't you favor us 
with your assistance? This country should be rid of these 
desperate characters at once, and it is quite probable you have 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 163 

seen the very parties for whom we are looking. Come on, 
and perhaps these may also be your horse thieves." 

" My hoss is purty nigh tuckered," said the rustic, "but 
ef you won't ride too fast, I b'leve I will go with you. This 
thing of huntin' hoss thieves all 'lone is not the pleasantest 
thing a feller kin do." 

So this audacious specimen of the gemis homo rode along 
with the very men who were seeking his head, until they 
reached a railroad station. Here, pretending that his horse 
could go no farther, and that they might look for him as soon 
as he could travel, Jesse stopped. It was not long before a 
train came along. This he boarded, and before another sun 
had set, was safely ensconced in the house of a friend four 
hundred miles away. 

Jesse was the cleverest one of the gang. He could make 
the best appearance, and assume the most various characters. 
It was fun for him. To be a grain merchant from Wichita, 
Kan., and be courted by the commission merchants and 
others at St. Louis and Chicago, was not all an objectionable 
relation for Jesse. And it is actually true that he was known 
for many months in St. Louis as "Mr. Campbell, a wealthy 
grain dealer of Kansas." Under such a cognomen he paid 
regular visits to 'Change, conversed and became intimate with 
many of the leading business men of the city. In company 
with one of these gentlemen he visited the Four Courts one 
day, where there was more than one who would have given a 
good deal to have recognized him. 

His associates were of the very best at these times. He 
gave the gambling dens a wide berth as a rule, although at 



164 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER 



times he would engage in a game of cards. But the elements 
of refinement which were not altogether crushed out, and 
which under different training might have made of him a 
shining light in society, caused him to prefer the society of 
well bred and even cultured people to others of the baser sort. 
His " savings" enabled him to live in luxury, to be known 
as a gentleman carrying a heavy bank account, and indeed, a 
very proper individual to take the hand of some fair daughter 
of the upper ten. 




\ ■ 



CHAPTER XXm. 



THE ROBBERS IN IOWA. 



On the 28th of June, 1873, the people of Iowa and the en- 
tire country were again startled by another bold and success- 
ful raid upon a bank, in open daylight. The scene of action 
this time was a town of about eight hundred inhabitants — 
Corydon, Wayne county, Iowa. At the time mentioned this 
place enjoyed a lively trade. Its business was excellent, and 
a great deal of money changed hands here, which, for the most 
part, finally found a resting place in the bank. At this time 
of the year the farmers were all busy with their harvest, which 
had just begun. In the middle of the day very few canxe to 
town, generally waiting until evening to attend to such shop- 
ping as was necessary. Everything was hushed and still — 
scarcely a breeze blowing, or a friendly cloud to be seen. Old 
weather prophets said there was going to be a storm. They 
were right, but a different kind of a storm from what they ex- 
pected. Suddenly there appeared, as if by magic, a squad of 
armed horsemen at the entrance of the town. Slowly they 
rode along, apparently having ridden a long distance, and very 
tired. A little boy out in the yard ran in and told his mother 
that "some awful lookin' mens" were passing by. A car- 
penter stopped his work and gazed curiously at the strangers, 
remarking to himself that they looked like " Missouri Bush- 
whackers." But the men rode on. The loafers on the corners 

'65 



1 66 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

watched them eagerly for hick of something else to do, while 
two or three clerks made sport of their uncouth and ill-man- 
nered appearance. Still the men rode on. Apparently care- 
less and unconcerned regarding the opinions of any one 
around them, they nevertheless were watching closely the 
movements of all on the street. Suddenly, as though guided 
by a single impulse, they turned their horses' heads at a sharp 
angle and rode straight up to the bank. As in the other in- 
stances related in these pages three of the party dismounted 
quickly and entered the bank with pistols in hand, while the 
remainder staid outside and held the horses. In the bank 
were the cashier and two friends, who, taking in the situation 
at a glance, and vividly remembering the fate of Captain 
Sheets and R. A. C. Martin, offered no resistance to the in- 
truders. One man, who seemed to be an old hand at the 
business, kept the cashier and his friends perfectly quiet by 
holding two dangerous looking dragoon pistols uncomfortably 
close to their craniums. While the other two were ransack- 
ing the safe, and scraping into a sack all papers and valuables 
that could be found, the guard jested about his good marks- 
manship, offering to bet that he could shoot a button off every 
time. 

By the time the robbers had finished their work and were 
ready to leave with their booty, the town had been fully 
aroused, and the desperadoes upon the outside were having all 
the}' wanted to keep the mob indoors. However, the three 
came out, threw their sack over one of the horses, mounted, 
and with terrible oaths dashed out of the village. 

Of course after thirty minutes or an hour had sped away. 



l68 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 

pursuers were ready and equipped for the capture. But a safe 
retreat had been prepared. These men who had risked their 
lives were not foolish enough to be caught when given an 
hour's advance. The country was searched thoroughly, sus- 
picion cast upon those w^ho knew nothing about it, but the 
spoils and the robbers w^ere never more heard of. 

Who were they? Surely the men who robbed Gallatin, 
Russellville, and Columbia, could not have gotten away up in 
Iowa! And yet people said the plan was the same. The ex- 
ecution of it the same. The number of men the same. The 
description of the robbers almost identical, except in apparel^ 
But there were hundreds of miles separating the various 
points. Strangers would not enter a strange town and com- 
mit such a deed. They Avould remain where they were ac- 
quainted with the surroundings, and had safe retreats. All 
this was said, and the friends of the Jameses and Younger 
Brothers insisted that they were not connected with any of 
these robberies, especially the last. Perhaps not, but Jesse 
James and his associates enjoyed the results of the raid all the 
same. In fact, there is scarcely a shadow of doubt, taking all 
the evidence which can be obtained, that these very outlaws 
figured in each of the robberies mentioned. A line of com- 
munication was kept up constantly between the James Boys 
and Younger Brothers; and whenever one found a place to 
make a "strike," the others were on hand without delay. 
Friends they could always find where plenty of money was 
forthcoming. Nor were they so foolish as to travel together; 
nearly always a distance apart from each other, yet always 
ready to assist the other on a moment's notice. In this way 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 



169 



they could visit a community, lay their plans, prepare for 
emerg-encies, perhaps remain around for a week previous to 
the culmination of their schemes, and nobody ever see a sus- 
picious looking character in the neighborhood. 




CHAPTER XXIV. 



AT KANSAS CITY FAIR. 



It is October. The leaves of autumn have not yet begun 
to fall in Southern Missouri and Kansas. The golden har- 
vests of a prosperous year have all been garnered, the work 
of the summer about completed, and everybody is willing to 
take a rest for a few days. At this auspicious period the 
managers of the Kansas City Fair Association had arranged 
a week's entertainment and sight-seeing. Large posters had 
been sent all over the adjoining country. There would be 
Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and perhaps several 
other States represented. It is a great thing in these West- 
ern States to attend one of these magnificent displays. 
Every department of human activity almost, is represented. 
The artizan, the merchant, the stock dealer, the agricultu- 
rist, the horticulturist — every species of industry known to 
the most enlightened people on the face of the globe, can 
here be seen. Sporting men come to win races; farmers 
come to display their grains and fruits; manufacturers come 
to advertise their inventions and show their gold medals; 
lovers of horse flesh come to view the best specimens of 
every stock; rogues come to swindle, gentlemen to be enter- 
tained, women to see each other and the babies, while young 
men and maidens usually wait for this season as the most 
favorable moment in which to settle their " future happiness." 

170 



O UTLA WS OF THE BORDER. j y i 



The fair at Kansas was to excel anything ever arranged 
west of St. Louis — and it did. The city began to swarm 
with human beings and animals upon the first day. Mer- 
chants were delighted, and the managers felt like millionaires. 

Upon the most auspicious day of all this prosperous week 
there must have been twenty thousand people present. Mr. 
Ford, a journalist of Kansas City, had charge of the money 
box at the passenger gate. He was sitting unoccupied for a 
moment in the forenoon, when a stranger stepped up to him 
and said: 

" You have a good deal of money in that box." 

" Yes," was the reply, "a good deal, and there will be 
lots more before night." 

"What if the James Boys should come along and demand 
it?" said the stranger. 

" They wouldn't get it without a fight," replied the gen- 
tleman. " They might get it, but somebody would be killed 
before they did." 

" You would fight for it, even if you knew it was the 
James Boys, would you?" said the man. 

" Of course I would," answered Mr. Ford. " No man 
living could take this box without a struggle." 

The stranger stood a moment and looked at the gate- 
keeper in silence, eyeing him sharply, and then without fur- 
ther remark, walked away. 

Mr. Ford was slightly suspicious at the time, especially 
since he had seen Frank James once upon a time, and this 
party looked very much like him. Before the man had dis- 
appeared from sight, the keeper of the " pool stand " was 



172 OUTLAWS OF THE BOkDBR. 

positive he had been talking with the notorious outlaw. 
However, another rush of pedestrians coming up just then, 
all thought of the words just spoken and the man who 
had uttered them was swept away, and not again did they 
return until evening, when they were to flash over his mind 
with terrible significance. 

The heterogeneous mass of the people were gathered 
around the race track. Old Sol was just casting his last 
lurid glances back upon the busy scene, as though loth to 
leave so interesting a spectacle. The day's work and play 
were nearly done, and the gate receipts about all in. Every 
neck was stretched, watching the flying steeds upon the race 
course, while the breathless silence of one moment and loud 
cheering of the next, showed full well the entire absorption 
of every one in the scene before them. Even the pool keeper 
was trying to look over a myriad of heads in a vain attempt 
to watch the movements or the flying steeds. Just at this 
moment a sound of horse's hoofs rattling down the road was 
heard. In a moment seven brigandish-looking horsemen 
stopped short at the gate. A few of the spectators saw them ; 
but the majority was not aware of their presence. The gate- 
keeper felt a peculiar thrill permeate his every portion, but 
before a word could be uttered, or assistance called, two of the 
heathenish-looking men were by his side with cocked pistols. 

" Not a word," said one of the desperado " or I'll blow 
your brains out." 

While one of the robbers thus held his revolver at the 
head of Mr. Ford, the other one seized the money box, 
handed it to another, the two mounted, and with a tremen- 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



73 



dous volley from their dragoon pistols, and a triumphant 
shout, the desperate band of outlaws dashed madly out of 
sight. 

Eight or nine thousand dollars were in the box. Twenty 
thousand people in the very presence of such a scene, and yet 
away go the participants! Many hundreds stood looking in 
blank amazement; perhaps some who had fought with 
Quantrell, and necognized some of their old comrades in the 
squad. No doubt a few had witnessed the Gallatin raid, and 
who now thought that these men were dressed very much the 
same as the desperadoes they had seen, and one or two of 
their faces even looked familiar. 

When the startled crowd could collect their senses, cries 
of" Police! police! " " Robbers! robbers! " " Catch 'em," etc., 
etc., but nobody started in pursuit. As soon as the officers 
of the law, who are generally some place else when needed 
speedily, discovered what was the matter, a hot pursuit was 
begun. Fleet horses were brought into requisition. Char- 
acters as desperate as the pursued joined in the chase. Men 
and women climbed upon the fence and wagons, while a few 
gained the roof of several of the buildings, where with field 
glasses they watched eagerly the race. If they had been 
absorbed a moment before by the flying steeds, whose owners 
were seeking simply money, the absorption now was in 
another race, where not only the almighty dollar was the 
reward to the victor, but perhaps life. At first ghmpses of 
the robbers could be gained by means of good glasses; but 
soon they were lost to view. Their horses were evidently of 
good blood, and the riders knew how to make the best of 



74 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



them. The pursuers sped on and on, looking to the right 
and left as they went, in a vain attempt to catch a glimpse of 
the birds who had flown. The same old story. After hours 
and even days of searching, the officers returned without 
their prey, and people marveled. A bold deed, indeed, and 
$9,000 captured in the face of twice that number of people ! 
Who could have the courage? who plan so successful a 
retreat? There is but one answer — Jesse and Frank James, 
assisted by their boon companions, the Youngers. Besides, 
several parties, knowing the outlaws, had seen them in 
Kansas City that day. These testimonies, together with that 
of Mr. Ford, the gatekeeper, and the execution of the deed, 
make it beyond dispute that the aforesaid individuals stole 
the money box at the Kansas City Fair. 




CHiVPTER XXV. 



ST. GENEVIEVE RAIDED. 



When the French Catholics who hraved the perils of the un- 
known Mississippi Valley, were planting villages over Illinois, 
Indiana and States farther east, a few of their number were 
courageous enough to even paddle their rafts across the Father 
of Wateis and through Missouri and Iowa, to leave footprints 
of civilization. One of these beacon lights set up in the dark 
wilderness of barbarism was St. Genevieve, Missouri. Al- 
though oft attacked by savages and wild beasts, its inhabitants 
held their ground, and St. Genevieve lived on to tell future 
generations what brave hearts and strong arms could accom- 
plish for civilization. Simple, pious, and humane, its founders 
were. For a half of a century there was not a lawsuit, nor 
scarcely a ripple in the peaceful flow of its social life. Under 
such influences its second and third generations grew up. Nor 
did they depart in the least from the spirit of the fathers. 
While the white men had now planted homes, towns and even 
cities around them, and the busy world was becoming busier; 
the physical warfare was giving place to mental warfare ; gold, 
gold, was the absorbing thought which was keeping the surg- 
ing masses stirred up like the molecules of boiling water ; the 
people of St.Genevieve remained quiet, inoflfensive, and prosper- 
ous. A Savings Association had been formed to which nearly 
every one in the place belonged. All of the hard-earned dol- 

175 ■ ■ 



■76 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

lars of one hundred and twenty-five years was stowed away 
in this treasury. The funds had been deposited in the bank 
for safe keeping — how safe they were kept we shall now pro- 
ceed to relate. 

It was a lovely day in May. All nature seemed jubilant over 
the departure of winter, and the coming of spring. School 
children were hurrying along the streets, desiring to be freed 
from the prison life of a schoolroom, to join their voices in the 
general anthem of praise going up from every quarter. The 
clock had just struck nine. Nothing unusual about that. No 
one paid particular heed to the language of the clock except 
three individuals — Mr. O. D. Harris, the bank cashier, and two 
strangers who were standing on a street corner. Mr. Harris 
put on his hat, bade his wife good-bye, and started for his day's 
work. At the same time the two villainous looking strang- 
ers-glanced at each other significantly, and one said:. "That's 
the time. We'll just about strike him." The other nodded, 
and the two walked leisurely toward the bank. As Mr. Har- 
ris arrived at the door, he somehow felt a slight hesitancy about 
unlocking it — perhaps it was because he noticed near him on 
the walk a couple of brigandish, fellows who were apparently 
waiting uneasily for some one. But just then the son of Gen- 
eral Rozier came up. The young man's father was president 
of the bank, and had sent his son down to attend to some little 
matter until he should come. 

The cashier and Mr. Rozier opc.ieJ the door and walked in, 
not noticing that they were immediately followed by the two 
ruffians on the walk. In fact, the first intimation which Mr. 
Harris had of their undesirable nearness was given by some 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER 177 

one behind with the words : " Surrender, d — n you !" Starting 
to turn round the cashier was forcibly reminded of the ne- 
cessity of looking straight, since an ugly, open-mouthed navy 
repeater struck against each side of his head. Mr. Harris con- 
cluded to surrender. He concluded to surrender quicker than 
the Confederate commander of Vicksburg. He felt no dispo- 
sition to stand a siege — his resources were gone, his artillery 
silenced, his country needed him elsewhere — at any rate, he 
felt that if he didn't capitulate he would be decapitated. So 
he answered the robber that he would. Young Rozier had 
whirled about when he heard the command, only to see a sim- 
ilar weapon of warfare pointing straight at him. The party 
holding it glared at him and said : " Silence, you d — d little 
rat, or I'll put you where you can't tell any tales." 

" Why — why — what for? " answered the terrified youth, 
" Dry up! Not a word ! Or I'll stop your blabbing d^-d 
quick." 

But the young man lacked the discrimination of the cash- 
ier. At any rate, he didn't consider it wise to surrender his 
prospects for living into the hands of such tough-looking cus- 
tomers. So without another word, and before the desperado 
realized it, he jumped out of the room and ran like a good 
fellow. As he did so his temporary and self-installed guard- 
ian sent a messenger after him which well nighcost the young 
man his life. The bullet cut through the clothes on his 
shoulder and burned the flesh slightly. However, the game 
was good, and it didn't take many minutes to awaken the 
slumbering city. One gentleman across the street from the 

bank saw the robber shoot, and also the predicament of the 
12 



17S OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 

cashier. He was about to rush across to the rescue, when his 
wife caught him and pleaded with him not to sacrijfice his Hfe 
— as he most assuredly would have done. 

After his futile attempt to stop Rozier the robber returned 
to assist in gathering in the spoils. 

"Open that safe!" growled one of the raiders to Mr. 
Harris, " quick ! " 

"Of course, sir," said the cashier, " my life is worth more 
than a few dollars." 

The two then proceeded to rifle the safe, and $3,600 was 
found in one package, while a box containing four or five 
hundred dollars in gold coin was emptied into the sack. 

Hearing the citizens making considerable of a clamor out- 
side, and thinking that there might be more money in imme- 
diately departing than remaining longer, the robbers, com- 
manding Mr. Harris to come along with them, left the field 
of plunder, and walked rapidly down the street. The pres- 
ence of the cashier of course kept the citizens from firing at 
them, while a sufficient number had not collected as yet, to 
attempt an arrest. Quite a crowd of non-dangerous individ- 
uals, such as women, children, and one or two loafers, followed 
them at a respectful distance. To these the brigands cried: 
" Hurrah for Sam Hildebrand ! " 

After moving down the street for a short distance the trio 
came upon two more of their gang, who were holding four 
superb horses. One of the men perceiving a beautiful gold 
chain dangling from the vest of their prisoner, concluded 
something had been overlooked, so proceeded to relieve the 
owner of his valuable property. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 1 79 

Just as they were mounting, an accident befell them. One 
of their horses broke loose and ran off a short distance. This 
might have placed some men in a critical condition. But not 
so these dare devil outlaws. They saw an old German farmer 
driving along near them. He could catch the horse. Brand- 
ishing their revolvers, and cursing vigorously, the bandits 
ordered the German to do so. The old gentleman felt im- 
pelled to obey those weird-looking desperadoes, so the escaped 
steed was caught and returned to the band. Then with a loud 
yell of defiance at the approaching mob of citizens, and leav- 
ing Mr. Harris standing upon the pavement, the four dashed 
away. 

Pursuit was begun at once. About a dozen men started 
after them before they were out of sight, and soon overtook 
them. But they had under-estimated the characters of such 
men. The four turned upon their pursuers and fired volley 
after volley into their ranks so rapidly that the twelve fled for 
their lives. The vanquished dozen returning to the city, an- 
other and larger posse started out, but it was impossible to 
come up with them, or even to discover their whereabouts. 
There was no difficulty in tracking them for a distance, but 
finally every vestige of their presence was lost. The game 
had flown. 

An old farmer living near St. Genevieve was on his way to 
town this eventful morning of the 37th of May, when he met 
a party of rough looking horsemen riding at full speed. A 
halt was called as they reached the farmer, which didn't add 
any particular pleasure to the old gentleman's reverie. 

"Where are you going, Dutchy?" said one of the gang. 



rSo OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

4' Wak*; up, or you may lose the top of your head," said 
another. 

" Well, friends, I don't know that it is any of your business 
where T am going, but I started for St. Genevieve," replied 
the old man. 

" Be careful, old bald-head," said the spokesman, "do you 
see this?" and he pointed a murderous-looking dragoon pistol 
at the wayfarer. Then, changing his tone somewhat, he con- 
tinued: "When you get into St. Genevieve just step around 
to the bank and give 'em all my regards, will you.? Tell 'em 
we're coming back some day and will check out. The ac-^ 
counts are a little in our favor, but if you look along the road 
as you go in, you will find some papers which may help to 
balance them." And the horsemen put spurs to their horses 
and dashed off, leaving the bewildered rustic sitting on his 
wagon gazing after them. Sure enough, before reaching the 
city limits, the farmer found a number of papers scattered along 
the road, which had been deposited by the county officials, and 
which were of no value whatever to any one but the owners. 
These the large-hearted purloiners of poor men's savings had 
mercifully cast away, much to the gratification of those im- 
mediately concerned. 

But who are the bandits? Where dwells a band of four 
men brave enough to enter a city of three thousand souls; 
enter it in broad daylight, and when everything was astir; in 
the face of all her citizens dare to walk up the prmcipal street, 
to the most business part of that street, and commit such a 
deed? Never had there been such a scene in St. Genevieve — 
never such a bold defiance of men and law in the history of 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



I8l 



America. Gallatin, Russellville, Columbia, and Corydon had 
been treated similarly, it is true, but these were towns of less 
than one-third the population of St. Genevieve. The robbers 
certainly lived in Missouri, because most of the deeds had 
been committed there. Was it Sam Hildebrand and company ? 
Some people thought so then, and even several of the papers 
asserted it, but Sam Hildebrand's bones were resting quietly 
in the graveyard at this time. Mr. Harris went to St. Louis 
immediately after the stealing, and there met Gen. Rozier, 
who had been in attendance upon the State Board of Equali- 
zation, at that time in session in Jefferson City. The matter 
was thoroughly discussed, detectives employed, and every ef- 
fort made to capture the desperadoes. So determined was the 
effort for awhile, that people lived in hope of a final culmi- 
nation to the long and desperate struggle of law and order 
against outlawry and murder. The efforts, however, proved 
as futile as former ones, except, perhaps, to pretty well estab- 
lish the fact that Jesse and Frank James were two of the suc- 
cessful raiders. Their friends, as usual, denied emphatically 
any connection with the deed on the part of the Boys, but 
their denials were as useless as the endeavors to capture the 
brigands. 

It is somewhat strange that during all these years there 
would still be some who would not believe for a moment that 
the James Boys were capable of such deeds. It was readily 
admitted that Jesse and Frank would fight and kill if neces- 
sary, but that they were too honest to steal. The faith in 
their integrity, possibly, was due largely to the high regard 
that was entertained for their father. He had been a man 



1 82 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

of unimpeachable life. His friends had been legion, his ene- 
mies few. And no doubt his sons had a degree of upright- 
ness in their characters when the war broke out, but certainly 
not very much of it remained after the varied scenes of ten 
years from that date. It is true, they did not stoop to petty 
thefts—they struck for larger game. But money they must 
have, and no men of their type were so capable to get it, and 
get it in abundance, as they. 

To say that many of the depredations were planned by 
the Jameses and not executed by them, is certainly to speak 
without any knowledge of their natures. Risk and danger 
are what they courted. An opportunity to use their unerring 
revolvers and strike terror to the hearts of a multitude by their 
audacity, was the joy of their lives. Quantrell had not trained 
them to lie still while their comrades did the bloody work. 
No, if Jesse and Frank James had anything at all to do with 
these robberies — and they did — beyond a doubt they took the 
leading role. 




CHAPTER XXVI. 

In the semi-civilized days of every country there has ever 
been very little safety accorded to travelers. For years after 
the Atlantic slope had been settled, and even large and flourish- 
ing cities had sprung up, men and women w^ho dared to ven- 
ture beyond the AUeghanies, toward the great West, were al- 
most sure to meet with one or two bands of highwaymen 
before reaching their journey's end. A great deal of travel- 
ing was done in those days in large, close carriages. The 
women and children usually occupied the interior of the ve- 
hicle, while the men sat upon the outside, ready for emergen- 
cies. Many a pioneer has defended his treasures in this way 
at the peril and often loss, of his life. The robbers were 
not often courageous enough to attack a number of emigrants 
together, but usually discovered the strength of each victim 
previous to the onslaught. Are there not many who read 
these pages that can vividly remember such dangers as these? 
How the wife would strap the belt of gold around her waist, 
out of sight, or bury the buckskin bag in the unfathomable 
depths of her bosom, when starting upon a journey, not for- 
getting to carry a revolver or shot gun, either? These were 
days of peril to single wayfarers. But as the march of civili- 
zation was heard across those eastern hills, and the cabins of 
sturdy settlers began to dot the country all along the road, 
highway robbery diminished in these regions altogether. 

So every country on the face of the globe has had its petty 

'83 



184 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

thieves and robbers. A few have Deen infested with bands 
that apparently feared neither man nor devil. Old England 
has been thrilled by the deeds and exploits of Duvall and 
Sheppard, while the "Wild Boar of Ardennes" has proven 
that a man can be even an outlawed nobleman, and still main- 
tain much of the honor attachmg itself to such a character 
when favored by government. Most of the bandits and brig- 
ands, however, and all of the minor highwaymen, of whom 
history tells us, have been brave when they were in the ma- 
jority, or held their victims at a disadvantage. But perhaps 
no land under the sun has ever seen such men as Jesse and 
Frank James. Men who would not stoop to rob a house, 
stop a single traveler, deprive a poor man of his money, or 
deceive a friend. Men who are as wise as serpents and as brave 
as lions. Men as strong in their friendships as they are bitter in 
their hatred. Brigands, indeed, but gentlemen when they 
chose to be. Perhaps no nation is capable of producing such 
fiery characters as the United States. While their production 
is by no means a glory to the nation, yet others have lived 
with greater disgrace. May they not be said to be character- 
istically American in many particulars? Impulsive, yet clear- 
headed ; revengeful, yet scarcely vindictive ; defying established 
law, yet true to a law of their own; the most notorious des- 
peradoes within our borders, yet still clinging to the hope that 
their claims to citizenship may not be entirely swept from 
their grasp. 

But if the people of this country had stood in amazement 
at the unprecedented daring displayed by these daylight 
bandits in robbing banks of their treasures, a greater manifes- 



1 86 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 

tation of that spirit awaited them. This time the scene was 
to be on a railroad train filled with passengers. After the St. 
Genevieve robbery the outlaws rested on their oars " a spell." 
The search for them had begun and well nigh ended before 
they appear again upon the stage of action. But, as still 
water runs deep, the silence maintained by our friends of un- 
known haunts was more fraught with devilment than disas- 
trous action. A plan was conceived and matured, during this 
interval, to waylay a train on the Chicago, Rock Island & 
Pacific Road. Such a thing was almost, if not quite, unknown 
at that time. Trains had been " ditched " by villains expect- 
ing to get some of the spoils, but to plunder a train had never 
been attempted. The scene of the disaster was to be about 
fourteen miles east of Council Bluffs. The parties to accom- 
plish the deed were — well, about a week previous to the rob- 
bery, Jesse James, Frank James, Jim Younger, Cole Younger 
and a desperado by the name of Robert Moore, met in secret 
conclave in Jackson county, Missouri. No one outside of 
that company knoweth the exact proceedings of that confer- 
ence. But it is known that the first thing settled 'Was that a 
railway train should be "dumped." The second question be- 
fore the assembly of notables was, "Where shall it be?" 
Moore said he knew of a good place on the Hannibal & St. 
Joe road. That there were " lots of clinkers went over that 
road," and that they could easily get back to their old stamp- 
ing grounds. This was not received with favor by our wary 
friends, the Jameses. Other routes were proposed, but finally 
it was agreed to pay their respects to Iowa, where there would 
be plenty of " black abolitionists " to fight. Jesse said things 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 1S7 

were getting pretty warm tor them in Western Missouri, and 
he " didn't want any more devilment kicked up so near the 
nest." Accordingly, after minutely describing the point for 
meeting, and exactly determining the time, the party broke 
up in twos. One couple was a pair of rusty looking farmers 
when they took their departure from the house in Clay county. 
The second pair came out with plug hats, broadcloth suits 
and heavy gold watch chains, while the odd chap was 
dressed in a business suit, and wore a long beard. The three 
parties took different routes. Nor did they meet again until 
the 20th day of July. The rendezvous, pre-arranged, was 
not far from the line of the Chicago, Rock Island Sl Pacific, 
in a thick wood. Here the robbers met, as before stated, on 
the night of the 20th, after the sable goddess of night had 
thrown her mantle over all nature and thereby precluded the 
possibility of the outlaws being watched. They came into 
camp as they had started out — in pairs, and from different 
points of the compass. There was a hearty hand shaking, 
jovial remarks about each other's appearance, and the five 
weary travelers laid down to rest. Two of the party next day 
surveyed the situation. They found a most excellent place 
for their black deed about three miles from the camp. A 
ditch of about four feet bordered the road bed here, while a 
patch of woods near by would assist their escape. A sharp 
curve near the place selected made it impossible for the en- 
gineer to see more than one hundred and fifty feet ahead. 

To this place these desperate characters repaired on the 
night of the twenty-first. At three o'clock in the morning 
the Eastern bound train would be along. That was the one 



1 88 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

for their purpose. "Western trains don't carry the rocks," 
said Cole Younger. Eastern trains, coming from the gold 
regions of the great West usually had on board, not only pas- 
sengers who carried wealth in their pockets, but, as a rule, 
some bricks from the mines. Besides, this hour was a very 
appropriate one. All on board would be wrap][3ed in the 
arms of Morpheus, except a few, and would scarcely get 
their eyes open before the game closed upon thein. 

With perfect coolness one of the men took the crowbar 
and began loosening the spikes, while the others carried sev- 
eral ties from a distance and laid them down near at hand. 
After these preparations, one of the party was sent up the 
road a little piece to watch for the train. The remaining four 
sat down upon a log and smoked, joked and planned as de- 
liberately as though it were an everyday occurrence to en- 
danger the lives of three hundred human beings by " dump- 
ing " the train upon which they rode. 

In the meantime a large company of travelers had left 
Council Bluffs en route for more eastern points. Not many 
of them, indeed, was sure of their locality nor anything else. 
A half-dozen or more were wide awake, thinking of the ex- 
periences before them. Women were aboard without guard- 
ians or knowledge of lailway life. Children were there, 
sleeping peacefully in the arms of their parents, and dream- 
ing of youthful games and fancies. Old, white-headed men 
were there whose years were weighing them down, and dis- 
abling them for travel without assistance. Wealthy mer- 
chants, rusty farmers, Western stockmen, hardy pioneers, dys- 
peptic coUegiates — in fact, every class of mortals commonly 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 189 

seen on a Chicago railroad train, were dozing, snoring, growl- 
ing, and quietly sleeping on cushioned couches at this partic- 
ular juncture of their journey. 

The night was dark. The sky was lowering; but the 
sleepers knew it not. The watchman near the curve strained 
his eyes to catch the first glimpse of the headlight. He puts 
his ear to the rail and listens. A rumbling sound is heard, 
and he jumps to his feet. The signal is at once given to his 
companions, who spring into immediate action. The spikes 
are withdrawn — the rails torn from their resting place — ties 
piled upon the track, and the preparation is complete. Woe 
to the unfortunate engineeer and fireman who rush wildly 
over this spot! The flashes of light from the bull's eye are 
seen. The rumbling of the heavily freighted train becomes 
louder and louder. The inhuman wretches stand and quietly 
wait for the fatal moment. On comes the cargo of humanity 
— to what? The locomotive rounds the curve with a flash. 
Immediately the headlight sends its rays ahead, and discloses 
the huge pile and distorted rails! What thoughts pass through 
the mind of that engineer as he beholds the awful doom be- 
fore him ! Sixty yards ahead, and the train flying at the rate 
of thirtv-five miles an hour! In a second the engrine is re- 
versed, the throttle pushed in, the schrill scream of the whistle 
rings out upon the startled air, and all is done that can be 
done to avert the calamity. But it is too late. A terrible 
crash, a tremendous shock, and the fiery horse careened, 
trembled, and settled down on one side. The coaches did not 
leave the track, but were fearfully shattered. Every passen- 
ger was thrown from his seat, and many were knocked sense- 



190 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

less. A general confusion followed. Cries of children, scream- 
ing of women, and groans from the injured, joined in a dis- 
cordant uproar. No time is left for passengers to ask ques- 
tions or seek information. Immediately the cursings and 
threatenings of armed men left no doubt as to the cause. Re- 
volvers were pointed at them and they were ordered to deliver 
up their valuables. No opposition whatever was offered. The 
desperate characters struck terror to the heart of every one. 
Money was handed over to the amount of several thousand 
dollars, besides watches and other jewelry. Having finished 
their work of plunder among the passengers, the express and 
baggage cars were visited, and their contents secured. Every- 
thing was put into sacks, and carried off. In less than half 
an hour from the first shock the robbers had got their 
spoils and departed for parts unknown. Then came the 
reckoning. A search discovered the dead body of the engineer, 
and the fireman ver)^ seriously injured. The noble man who 
had stuck to his engine, endeavoring to save the lives of others, 
had himself been instantly killed by the shock. No one else 
was fatally hurt, although nearly every one had sustained 
slight bruises. 

, Wild excitement prevailed throughout the country at hear- 
ing of the audacious robbery. Officers were soon scouring 
the country in all directions. The sheriff of the county in 
which the deed transpired inaugurated a vigorous search, and 
was successful in tracking the outlaws to St. Clair county, 
Missouri. Here all trace of them was lost, and the pursuit 
given up. 

It is undisputed that at least two of the Younger Brothers 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 19 1 

were parties in this transaction, and perhaps another. The 
friends of Cole Younger have attempted to prove that he was 
elsewhere at the time, and have partially succeeded. At any 
rate, the deed is characteristic of this gang, and will ever be 
attributed to them by an outraged and indignant public. 




CHAPTER XXVTI. 

STAGE ROBBERY ON THE HOT SPRINGS ROUTE. 

It was January, 1874. Nature had taken upon herself the 
garb, of winter, and presented no cheerful countenance to the 
weary traveler. A slight snow had fallen the night before 
the circumstance about to be related. A few tiny specimens 
from the world's great ornithological garden were attempt- 
ing to enliven the weary silence, and scatter the dreary shad- 
ows of a sunless day by attempts at warbling. 

A stage coach has just " pulled out " from Malvern, a small 
town on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railway. 
The driver was a burly-looking fellow, but accommodating 
withal, while his long service on this route had made him as 
familiar with every point between Malvern and the Hot 
Springs as he was with the rough and ready life he was 
living. Many a dark night and dreary had he held the lines 
over the steeds before him. Many a tale could he unfold of 
his experience in former years, when it was more dangerous 
to travel highways than now. He loved to talk about the 
notables he had "carried" in various parts of the country, and 
how much wealth had been intrusted to his faitl ful hands. 
It was even hinted by his associates that Horace Greeley had 
honored his rickety coach at some time or other, and that 
Buffalo Bill was a particular friend of his. At any rate, the 

IQ3 



194 dUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

aforesaid gentleman, who now sat upon the outside and thun- 
dered " Go," " Git," every forty-fifth second, was evidently 
no amateur — he had been there before. But even with all 
past experience and boasts of bravery, he was soon to meet 
with a circumstance in his career which was to make his hair 
stand up strangely, and his right arm forget its cunning. 

Within this " royal palace " of the plains sat a number of 
gentlemen of various ranks, dignity and wealth, but all hav- 
ing the same destination in view — the Arkansas Hot Springs. 
The wonderful properties of these springs had become quite 
widely known at this time, and invalids from all over the 
country were availing themselves of then* healing properties. 
The company within the stage on this occasion consisted of 
Mr. Charles Moore; John Dietrich, Esq., Little Rock, Ark.; 
William Taylor, Esq., Lowell, Mass.; a gentleman, name 
unknown, from Syracuse, N. Y.; Ex-Governor Burbank of 
Dakota; E. H. Peebles, Hot Springs; George R. Crump, 
Memphis, and three farmers, whose names are not known. 

Although not in the best of health, these seekers after the 
bloom of youth were endeavoring to make the trip as enjoya- 
ble as possible. Stories, jokes and lively conversation kept 
time with the " bumpety-bump " of the springless vehicle. 
Their endeavor being to regain lost energies, complete free- 
dom was voluntarily granted each one to furnish as much 
nutritious conversation as he might be able. 

But while the stage coach rumbles along over the stony 
road, up hills, down into valleys, and over prairies, let us for a 
moment notice the actions of a small band of desperate look- 
ing men, whose steps have led them along the same highway, 



OUTLAWS OP THE BORDER. I95 

At the time we see them they are near a stream called the 
Gulpha. A thick patch of woods shields them from view, 
but * considering the fact that we are acquaintances — having 
met some of them before — we will slip around to their hiding- 
place and listen to their plans. 

"Let's see," says one, "they'll reach tne Gaines Man- 
sion in about half an hour, hey ? " 

"That's the time," growled another; "but the devil only 
knows whether them crowbaits can make it in that time or 
not." 

" Well, boys," continued the first, a black-whiskered, de- 
termined looking fellow, who seemed to be the leader of the 
gang, "we'll take a smoke, and then get ready to tap those 
rheumatics for a little of the filthy lucre. 'Tain't often a stage 
coach is 'held up' nowadays, but we'll show 'em that the 
thing can be done in good style yet;" and the robbers all 
laughed heartily over the way the " stagers " would " pony 
up " when their navy repeaters told them to. 

The old Gaines House was a first-rate stopping place along 
the road to the Springs, and it was customary to take a rest at 
this point. A beautiful country as far as scenery is concerned 
surrounded the place, while the Gulpha, only a short distance 
further on, afforded a most excellent " watering place." High 
hills with forests covering their sides and tops, could be seen 
in almost any direction. In fact, the road at this place was 
situated in a kind of glen, bounded on all sides by hills and 
woods. 

A little after the regular hour the loud tones of the driver 
urging his horses to a faster gait were heard, and soon his 



1^6 OUTLAWS OP THE BORDER. 

"Whoa!" told the inhabitants of the Gaines mansion that an- 
other load of passengers had arrived, and would need atten- 
tion. Accordingly the passengers were soon out of their 
cage and enjoying the fresh air of an Arkansas winter. "Five 
miles to the Springs!" shouted one, " and then this intermi- 
nable journey will be finished." But hold a moment, my friend, 
perhaps that journey will never be completed. Something may 
" turn up " which will put your recovery beyond the hour ex- 
pected. However, it is cruel to destroy the pleasures of an- 
ticipation, so we will permit the joyful countenances and con- 
fident hopes, notwithstanding our knowledge of a band 
of men in the adjoining woods yonder across the stream, who 
are waiting for their coming with great anxiety. 

The rest is over — the king of the stage coach thunders 
out " All aboard!" and again our distinguished friends are on 
their way to health and happiness. 

Soon after crossing the Gulpha, and scarcely before the 
vehicle was out of sight of the Gaines House, a dark, danger- 
ous-looking man stepped suddenly into the road from conceal- 
ment, and commanded the driver to " Halt ! " As this des- 
perado was immediately followed by others, fiercer looking 
than himself, the gentleman addressed concluded very suddenly 
to obey the order. The strange voice was heard upon the in- 
side, and immediately the curtains were thrown back and a 
half-dozen inquiring countenances peeped out, only to be very 
quickly withdrawn. One glance was quite sufiicient. A 
couple of ugly, long-barreled pistols stared them in the face, 
while a terribly significant voice thundered : " Come, git" out 
of there!" Completely bewildered, the passengers sat still 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



197 



a moment, not knowing what to do. But they were not left 
in doubt as to their duty long. Again the command came 
with a terrible oath: "Tumble out, I tell you." They 
tumbled. Every one crawled out except a gentleman severely 
afflicted with rheumatism who was permitted to remain in 
his seat. The command upon reaching terra Jirma was: 
" Hold up your hands," which they proceeded to obey without 
a word. Then they were ordered to form in a circle, which 
they did. One of the robbers held a large revolver uncomfort- 
ably near their heads, and threatened to blow out the brains 
of any man who stirred. One of the desperadoes had a 
double-barreled shot-gun, with which he kept the company 
in considerable trepidation, especially the gentleman from St. 
Louis, whom he took especial delight in tormenting. After 
getting the captives in a circle, and " shaking in their boots," 
as they expressed it, an investigation into the characters and 
business of the travelers took place. Ex-Governor Bdrbank 
was interrogated, and then relieved of everything he had, 
including quite a number of papers. Mr. Burbank requested 
that the papers be returned, as they pertained only to his own 
affairs, and were of no value to any one else. The leader of 
the band, who had the papers, said: 

"Well, I'll see, pard; you don't know whether I want 
them or not;" and he proceeded to examine the bundle. 
Seeing one with the seal of State upon it, he presumed at 
once that it was a warrant for the arrest of somebody, per- 
haps niembers of their own gang. 

" Boys," he cried, " shoot the cur. He is a detective." 
No quicker said than three murderous looking revolvers 



198 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

were raised, and Governor Burbank's heart stood still. No 
argument or sympathy could avail anything with such ban- 
dits. How terribly painful the pause which followed that 
command! But, thank heaven, there was a pause of a mo- 
ment, and the next instant the chieftain discovered his mis- 
take in supposing the owner of the papers a detective. 

" Let up, boys; let up. The chap is all right, I guess." 
The pistols were lowered, while the spirits of Mr. Burbank 
were elevated. In fact they went up suddenly, like a balloon 
suddenly relieved of its ballast. For the time being the mer- 
cury had fallen about thirty-two degrees, until he felt as 
though it was considerably below the freezing point. His 
past life had been partially reviewed in that short 3pace of 
time, and, although a politician, many things came up before 
him which he had rather kept away. But the pistols were 
down and his hopes were up. 

Getting through with the Governor, the interrogator pro- 
ceeded to deprive the rest of the company of their money and 
jewelry. Coming to Mr. Taylor of Lowell, Massac nusetts, 
the robber thought he had seen him before, and said : 

" Who are you, and where are you from ? " 

"I'm from St. Louis, sir," replied the gentleman, "and 
my name is Taylor." 

"Oh, yes; I know you, d — n you. You're one of them 
dirty reporters, ain't you? I've seen you before. You're 
goin' over to the Springs to write up a lot of lies for that 
dirty Globe- Democrat. Well, give 'em a good one about the 
stage robbery, and don't forget to send in my regards." 

Mr. John Dietrich was the next one to give his pedigree. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 199 

« Where are you from ? " demanded the chief. 

« I am from Little Rock," answered Mr. Dietrich. 

"Little Rock? Well, what do you do there?" 

*' I am engaged in the boot and shoe business, sir." 

« Well, why ain't you home tending to your business, 
then?" said the bandit; "this is a poor place for boot and 
shoe men, hey ? " 

" Decidedly so, sir," replied the gentleman ; and he no 
doubt felt all he said. 

" Is there a Southern man in the crowd ? " said the robber. 

" Yes, sir," replied four of the captives. 

" How many of you were In the Confederate army ? " 

Only one, Mr. Crump, had been in the army. 

" What regiment did you belong to? Who were you with, 
and where did you fight? " demanded the outlaw. 

Having answered all these questions satisfactorily, Mr. 
Crump was given back his watch and money. 

" We don't want to rob a man who has fought them d — d 
Yankees. I think you're all right. You don't look as if you 
were lying. These sneakin' Yankees have drove us into 
outlawry, and they'll git enough of it before they're through 
with it." 

One of the passengers, the Syracuse gentleman, having been 
stripped of every cent he had, said: 

" Gentlemen, you have taken all my money, and I have 
no friends about here. Won't you let me have five dollars to 
get word back to Syracuse ? " 

"A thousand miles from home with no money and no 
friends. Boys, he is in a pretty bad fix, ain't he? You had 



200 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER 

better go off and die, my friend. A man like you has no 
business living. No, sir; you don't get any of your money 
back." 

While all this was goiag on, one of the robbers unhar- 
nessed the horses and amused himself by riding up and down 
the road. After testing the animal for a while he cried out: 
" Boys, he's the worst plug in the country, but I guess he'll 
pass." And he brought the horse back and ordered the driver 
to hitch him up again. 

After having all the sport they cared to, the audacious rob- 
bers sat down and calculated their receipts. Three thousand 
and ninety dollars had been secured. Mr. Crump had given^ 
$45, but it was returned before the start. Mr. Moore added 
$70 to the pile; Mr. Peebles $20; the three farmers $45; the 
Express Company $450; Governor Burbank, in money and 
other valuables, $1,450; the Syracuse passenger $160; Mr. 
Taylor $650; John Dietrich $300. 

Not such a bad reckoning for the outlaws, but a very seri- 
ous one for their victims. But even such a sacrifice was gladly 
submitted to when they learned that each one was to be al- 
lowed to depart with a whole skin. It takes a good many 
shining dollars to balance the scales when a man's life is on 
one side. 

Finally the robbers ordered all to climb in the coach and 
"git out." It was hot necessary to repeat the command, as 
the passengers were about as anxious to leave for healthier 
regions as their friends of unknown names were to have them 
go. Some of them wondered if this was the first process that 
all seekers after immortal youth who visited the Springs were 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 20 1 

put through. Perhaps it was not a bad remedy. Many an 
invalid has been made such by an over-abundance of " filthy 
lucre;" and now that they were relieved of any anxiety con- 
cerning their wallets' safety, who knows but their physical 
organism received an impetus toward health? At any rate, 
they did not worry much about being robbed again before 
reaching Hot Springs, which was only about four miles. 

After getting the stage coach started on its way again, the 
brigands retraced their steps to the secret ambush whence 
they came. After a few words regarding a future meeting, 
they changed attire and separated, each one taking a different 
route. It is reported that one of their number took the next 
stage for the Springs, and spent a week among those whose 
cash he was making the best possible use of. 

But why is all this recorded here? Evidendy the subjects 
of this narrative had something to do with it. Indeed, it is 
beyond doubt that Jesse and Frank James, together with some 
of the Younger tribe were the leaders, and that they enjoyed 
the fruits of this robbery. Although entirely unexpected in 
that region of the country, yet these men never did aught ex- 
pected. And although supposed to be, and in fact reported to 
be, in another part of the United States at this time, neverthe- 
less their whereabouts could no more be determined by reports 
than the position of a modern politician seeking favor of three 
parties. Their friends have said they would not rob a num- 
ber of unprotected passengers on the public highway — that 
whatever else they might be guilty of, their fair treatment to 
unarmed and innocent individuals could never be gainsaid — but 
circumstances alter cases very materially at times, and these 



202 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



men had learned to get money in any way which might ap- 
pear the most convenient. 

The robbery created great excitement throughout the 
immediate neighborhood, as well as in all parts of the country. 
Thrilling telegrams were sent to all leading journals greatly 
exaggerated, and the visitors at the Springs lessened very ma- 
terially. Parties scoured the country, but discovered nothing 
except the empty hiding-place near the scene of the robbery. 
After awhile it quieted down — the world jogged on, and the 
old stage too. People forgot the circumstance — the public 
pulse was again in its normal condition, and the friends of the 
" Spoils system " reveled in the resorts of pleasure another 
season. 



CHAPTER XXVIIT. 

TRAIN ROBBED AT GAd's HILL THE CITIZENS CAPTURED 

AND IMPRISONED. 

Iowa had been startled by a train robbery within her 
borders. The great pubHc heart had stood still when the 
news flashed over the wires. Men thought of Robin Hood 
and the Harts, and wondered if civilization and law were go- 
ing to meet foes more dangerous than these lawless characters. 
After a few days the excitement died away, the officers were 
close upon the robbers, and the world said such a daring deed 
would never be repeated in this country. But the band who 
had succeeded so admirably on the Chicago, Rock Island & 
Pacific Road, and had enjoyed the luxury of a well-filled purse 
and bank account, were not of the same opinion as the " dear 
people." Another scene, somewhat similar to the one in 
Iowa, was to be enacted, though many hundred miles from 
the first. 

It was the 31st day of January, 1874 — about six months 
after the Council Bluffs tragedy — that the events of .the pres- 
ent chapter took place. The 31st of January! A mean, raw, 
wintry day all over the land, and especially in Wayne county, 
Missouri, The people gathered together in Gad's Hill — a 
small village in this county — around fires and in the " Gro- 
cery," were endeavoring to make more cheerful the inner 
sanctuary than Old Prob. had constructed the outer. Not 

203 



204 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

many there were, to be sure; for Gad's Hill only boasted of 
the immortality of her name— not her population. The 
aforesaid cognomen of this romantic Missouri village had been 
given and popularized by the poet as the chronicler of events, 
as the scene of encounter between Sir John FalstafF and the 
Buckramite legion. It was therefore, not unknown in history, 
although very little anywhere else. 

Upon this cold, cutting end of January the quiet folk of 
the quiet village were to witness something which would 
cause them to think the termination of the world at hand in- 
stead of a month. It was to occur along toward the evening 
twilight. No one scarcely could be seen upon the street- 
The man of Dry Goods, Boots & Shoes, Notions, Hardware, 
etc., yawned over the dreary prospects of trade, and every one 
sighed over the monotony of Gad's Hill existence. Their mo- 
notony was soon to be relieved. Suddenly the sounds of 
horses' hoofs were heard, the deep, rough voices of men pro- 
claimed the entrance of a desperate band of horsemen into 
their midst. People ran to the windows and peeped out. 
The horsemen rode directly to the railroad depot. One of 
them dismounted, walked into the office, pointed a revolver at 
the agent, and ordered him to surrender. Of course opposi- 
tion was fruitless. After seeing the agent under guard, the 
remainder of the band went through the village and took 
prisoner every man they could find. All the captives were 
brought to the depot, where one of the desperadoes kept them 
quiet with his long navy revolver. After the village was de- 
clared captured and every masculine in the prison house, the 
fierce, weird-looking band sat down to wait for the 5 130 train. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 205 

Said train had started from St. Louis the morning of this 
eventful day. Conductor C. A. Alford, one of the most popu- 
lar train men of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern 
Railway, was in charge. Several coaches were well filled 
with passengers, while the express car contained more than its 
usual store of valuables. Bleak enough indeed was the wind 
upon the outside, but the cheerfulness of palace car and sleeper 
made the contrast all the more marked. The shades of twi- 
light were just approaching as the brakeman called out 
« Gad's — Hill." No one stirred. No one cared for Gad's Hill. 
The musical tones of said brakeman had rung out so fre- 
quently during that long weary day that it now only soothed the 
dozing brain to sweeter insensibility. Oblivion of all surround- 
ings, those train-ridden mortals were borne into the station. 

Usually the train did not stop at Gad's Hill. The robbers 
knowing this had stuck out the signal flag, and thrown open 
the switch, so that the train would go into the ditch unless 
stopped at the proper place. 

The engineer saw the flag and whistled down brakes. No 
one was to be seen upon the platform, but as soon as the en- 
gineer came to a stop, two armed men stepped into the cab 
and ordered him to surrender. 

" What for?" was the reply. 

"No words about it, d — n you!" thundered one of them. 
The engineer was taken into the temporary prison house, de- 
prived of his money and watch, and left with the rest. 

As Conductor Alford stepped upon the platform, and cried : 
" All aboard," a dragoon pistol was suddenly put under his nose, 
and the cheering words: 



2o6 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

" Your money, d — n you ! Be quick !" were uttered in a very 
positive manner. The money wasn't long in coming — fifty 
dollars constituted his purse, w^hich was gladly handed over to 
escape that murderous pistol. Seeing the conductor carried a 
massive gold watch, the robber demanded it, and then ushered 
the crestfallen conductor into the presence of his friend, the 
engineer. 

Two of the desperadoes in the meanwhile had mounted the 
train, and with cocked pistols were relieving the passengers of 
extra cash. To ever}^ one they put the question, " What's your 
name.?" All responded without a word but one gentleman, 
a Mr. Newell, who inquired, " Why do 3'ou want to know my 
name?" 

" None of your business, d — n you!" replied the robber. 
"Quick! shell out your cash and ask questions afterward." 

Mr. Newell handed out his money and watch, then said: 

" Now sir, tell me why you want to know my name." 

"Well, you've acted j^retty square about handing over, so 
I'll tell you. That old whelp of a Pinkerton is on this train, 
and if we find him his heart will be torn out and roasted on 
the spot." 

, Fortunately for the Chicago detective he was not aboard 
Perhaps at that time he was working up some scheme for the 
capture of these very outlaws. 

After finishing their work of plunder in the coaches, the 
robbers proceeded to the mail and express car, where a large 
amount of money and valuables were secured. 

Finally the leader of the gang called out: 

" Let 'em go, boys! We've got it a!l." 



OUTLAWS OF THE BOEDER. 207 

The engineer was released, and ordered back to his car. 
The conductor was just starting back to the train, when one 
of the bandits stepped up and said : 

"Here, you're the conductor, ain't you? Take this watch 
back. You can't run a train without a watch." 

Mr. Alford took the watch, climbed aboard, and the train 
moved off, a financial bankrupt* 

Having accomplished their purpose, the band of horsem3n 
ordered the release of the Gad'shillites, mounted their steeds, 
and rode out of town laughing, talking, and swearing like 
Congressmen after a Washington banquet. 

The dark canopy of night had settled over the scene when 
the robbers left 'the village, and the released prisoners in the 
depot felt no inclination to follow such characters. Besides, 
the country was very thinly settled, with few inhabitants to 
guide the pathway of pursuers. The town of Piedmont 
was not far distant. As soon as the train reached this place 
telegrams were sent to St. Louis and Little Rock, announcing 
the experiences of the evening. Immediately a posse of men 
were sent out from various points with very poor success. 
All night long the plunderers rode, and no ordinary steeds 
were theirs. At a convenient place a halt was called, the 
fruits of their desperate deed brought out and divided, and the 
seven separated into pairs. 

The fact that the train robbers were so anxious to meet 
Pinkerton, is very conclusive evidence that Jesse and Frank 
James were the leaders. These two outlaws were known to 
bitterly hate the detectives. Time and time again had their 
regard for the little Scotchman been expressed in language by 



2o8 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

no means doubtful. But other reasons there are also, for giving 
these noted characters the credit or discredit of the Gad's Hill 
robbery. 

It is reported that the robbers did not take different direc- 
tions after dividing the spoils, but continued the same way by 
separate roads. They must have done so, as five of them 
called at the residence of a lady named Cook, near Carpen- 
ters ville, to get breakfast. This place was about sixty miles 
from Gad's Hill, so they must have ridden all night, and very 
rapidly. In the afternoon of this day upon which they took 
breakfast at Mrs. Cook's, quite a large posse of men from 
Piedmont and Gad's Hill reached the same place in pursuit. 

Again they were identified by Mr. Payne in Texas 
county, whose house they passed. Mr. Payne said that each 
was not only armed with pistols, but with a repeating rifle 
also. They continued on and stopped at the residence of Sen- 
ator Mason. Mrs. Mason, whose husband was at the time in 
Jefferson City, attending the Legislature, was ordered per- 
emptorily to furnish eatables " for five mighty hungry men." 
She was very much frightened, but obeyed the command at 
once, and rejoiced to see them finish their meal in such haste 
and depart. 

After tracking them thus far, the pursuers failed to get 
any more intelligence as to their whereabouts, and gave up 
the chase. 

It was a good " haul " for the outlaws, they having se- 
cured $8,000 or $10,000 without a scratch. They could 
afford to rest a while, but whether they did or not we learn 
further on. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

THE COUNTRY AROUSED WHO WERE THE ROBBERS? 

Only eleven days after the Gad's Hill tragedy five heavily 
armed men entered the little town of Bentonville, Benton 
county, Ark. The streets were almost deserted, Vsdiile 
the male inhabitants of the place were few and far between. 
Those who witnessed the incoming group of horsemen 
thought nothing of it, as such scenes were by no means rare. 
The band rode along leisurely, looking at the various store 
buildings in a careless manner, laughing and talking the while 
as though they were enjoying a pleasant ride. Reaching the 
dry goods and clothing establishment of Craig & Son, the 
horsemen suddenly turned in and hitched. One of the pro- 
prietors saw them, considered them customers, -and started 
toward the front part of the store to wait upon them. He 
did " wait " upon them, but differently from what he expected. 
The conversation was opened in an embarrassing manner by 
two <3r three long, ugly-looking weapons fitted for killing 
buffaloes or wild beasts. The speech these weapons made 
was short and even silent, but fearfully expressive and 
impressive. The gentleman of the store felt as though he 
had never heard such depth of meaning expressed in so few 
words. It was indeed tnulhtm in parvo. 

"Quick!" said the leader of the gang; " not a whimper, 

or I'll blow off the top of your head." 

J09 



2IO OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

His command was obeyed to the letter. In fact, the affa- 
ble proprietor's tongue would not have permitted any extended 
remarks on his part, on account of suddenly losing its power 
to wag. There was a feeling of numbness all over his physical 
oro-anism which was anvthinsf but demonstrative in its 
tendency. 

Without a word the other members of the gang went 
ehind the counter, rifled the money drawer, then repaired to 
the safe and secured all that could be found in it. It so hap- 
pened that the exploit did not prove a financial " bonanza," as 
Messrs. Craig & Son had just made a deposit of nearly all 
the cash on hand, leaving for the plunderers only about one 
hundred and fifty dollars. 

With this amount they took their departure, threatening 
the occupants of the store with instant death should they at- 
tempt to give the alarm. With this parting advice to their 
creditors the robbers mounted leisurely, passed by a saloon 
near at hand in which were twenty or thirty men, and rode 
out of the village as unconcerned, apparently, as a popular 
candidate on election day. 

No sooner had their forms vanished from sight, than Mr. 
Craig heralded the news far and wide. The roughs in the 
saloon at once signified a willingness to go in pursuit, but 
were so slow in preparation, being loth to leave their grog, 
and incapacitated after they did leave it, that the escape of the 
bandits was easy. Nothing of importance was ever heard 
concerning their route. They had come and gone without 
" scratching a hair or breaking a bone," while no man cared 
to renew their acquaintance. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 311 

That this band was the same as had visited Gad's Hill the 
31st of the previous month, there could be little doubt. The 
description of the men was similar to that given by Mr. Payne, 
Mrs. Mason, and others, while the vicinity of Bentonsville was 
the one where some had suspected the gang as being. 

But who were they? We have said that the evidence in 
favor of the James and Younger Brothers being the leaders in 
these raids was full and complete, and it is. But others also 
assisted. Indeed, attempts have been made to prove that the 
aforementioned desperadoes had nothing to do with these rob- 
bers, while certain other individuals have been marked out as 
the most probable. Such characters as Cal Carter, Bill Lono-. 
ley, Jim Reed, Jim Clark, Sam Bass, and Sid Wallace, all no- 
torious outlaws of the Indian Territory and Texas, have been 
connected with the Gad's Hill tragedy. The mistakes regard- 
ing the exact persons arise no doubt from the fact that these 
individuals were members of an organized band of bandits, 
infesting all this Western country, and to which the Jameses 
and Youngers belonged. The members of this organization 
in sections were kept apprised of the workings of their fellow^s, 
and were sometimes indiscreet enough to disclose their knowl- 
edge. By this means suspicion was at once fastened upon them 
as conspirators, and the true robbers neglected. 

One character in particular has been charged with com. 
plicity in the Gad's Hill affair, against whom the evidence is too 
uncertain to be entertained. This was George Shepherd, ex- 
guerilla and friend of the James Boys. He had fought with 
Quantrell, had loved the black flag, and had sworn to protect 
and aid all others of that terrible band with his life. After the 



212 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

war, through the influence of his wife and others, he was led 
to abandon the wild pursuits of the past years, and settle down 
in Nelson county, Kentucky. Here he lived at the time of 
the Russellville Bank robbery. After this tragic affair, the 
authorities knowing what Shepherd's past life had been, caused 
his arrest as one probably connected with it. Suflicient evi- 
dence could not be secured to prove him one of the partici- 
pants in the affair, but he was found guilty of being an abettor 
to it. The James Boys had undoubtedly been sheltered and 
assisted by him, and these were the robbers of Russellville. 
Consequently he was " sent up" for three years. His wife not 
being as faithful as others have been, concluded she would 
again launch out into the sea of matrimony. Having obtained 
a divorce without trouble, she married and took her new found 
husband to the home bought and owned by the discarded one. 
Shepherd it seems did not learn this until after finishing his 
term of imprisonment. Havmg closed his career at the State 
Penitentiary he repaired to his home in Nelson count3^ His 
surprise and grief knew no bounds when he discovered the 
faithlessness of his wife. Although he could have driven the 
couple from his property, which was worth about six hundred 
dollars, he let them alone and took his departure for more con- 
genial climes. He went to Missouri. People knew where he 
had gone and as soon as the Gad's Hill tragedy took place his 
old enemies at once fastened the crime upon him. But as has 
been said, George Shepherd was undoubtedly innocent of any 
connection with the deed. 

It is known that Bradley Collins, one of the most desperate 
and heartless desperadoes who infested the State of Texas was 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 213 

also very familiar with Jesse James. He had been seen in 
company with them, and by some was supposed to be con- 
nected with the robberies just recorded. Another of their 
boon companions was the notorious John Chunk. This indi- 
vidual frequently came into Missouri, and was possibly not far 
from the classic Gad's Hill upon the 31st of January. 

The organization before alluded to was far extended and 
complete. Like everything with which Jesse and Frank 
James had anything to do, it existed by reason of the brains 
manifested in its formation as well as the desperate characters 
who composed it. A regular network it w^as, into which the 
law-abiding victims might fall with no hope of disentangle- 
ment. We shall soon see how some of these victims did oret 

o 

into its meshes never again to see the light of day. 




CHAPTER XXX. 

SPECIAL EFFORTS FOR THE CAPTURE OF THE BANDITS. 

The robbery at Gad's Hill created great excitement 
throughout the country, and a determined effort was inaugu- 
rated for the apprehension of the desperadoes. The Govern- 
ors of Missouri and Arkansas offered rewards, and set all the 
police and constabulary forces upon their track that could be 
utilized. Besides these officers of the law, Allan Pinkerton, 
the noted detective, engaged in the search. Few defiers of 
the \^w have ever escaped, it is said, when Pinkerton begins 
to manipulate the wires for their capture, but Pinkerton was 
not enough for the James Boys. The general govern menf 
even sent men into the wilds of Western Missouri and sur- 
rounding regions, who prosecuted the search with the utmost 
vigor. The various sections of country were divided up, and 
the detectives in each placed under the command of one man. 
St. Clair county, Missouri, where the Younger Brothers 
lived when they were at home, was in the hands of Captain 
Allan, alias Lull, a shrewd and courageous member of the 
Allan Pinkerton force. Captain Allan secured the services 
of a young man by the name of Daniels, who was well 
acquainted with the country, and proved a valuable guide. 
Part of the robbers were tracked into this countv, while oth- 
ers were followed through ^Southern Missouri and beyond 

the Missouri River. Two of the Younger Brothers, John 

214 



OL/TLAIVS OF THE BORDER. 215 

and Jim, were known to have arrived at home soon after the 
last mentioned tragedy, with plenty of money. The evidence 
against them was beyond the shadow of a doubt. The best 
of the force was centered here, and their capture expected 
within a short time, when something happened which com- 
pletely demoralized all the plans in this section. 

It was a bright sunny morning when Captain Allan, tak- 
ing Ed. Daniels and a "fly cop" from St. Louis, whose 
assumed name was Wright, along with him, concluded he 
would reconnoiter a little. They mounted their horses and 
rode out into the country. It was not supposed for a moment 
by the detectives that their business in the community was 
known by any one. Nor did they, as they traveled along 
this cheerful morning, possess the least hint that their men, 
for whom, they were hunting, ever visited in that immediate 
neighborhood. Their mistake in this regard became evident 
before many miles had been traversed. They passed by the 
residence of one Theodore Snuffer. He was not considered 
the most respectable citizen by the better class of his neigh- 
bors, but was neve]- known to have harbored men under the 
ban of the law. It seems, however, that John and James 
Younger were at his house upon this particular occasion. 
How long they had been there is not known, but any one 
should be condemned for associating in the least with such 
known desperadoes. As the three detectives passed the 
house, the Youngers saw them. John jumped to his feet at 
once and said: 

'Jim, there are them d — d ' cops,' and they're after us. 
What do you say to givin' 'em a little turn? They're the 



2i6 orTLAirs or the border. 

dirtiest cowards that ever struck this country, anyhow, and, 
d — n 'em, we'll show 'em what kind of chickens they're 
scratchin' for. Are you in?" 

" Get the horses, quick! Of course I'm in. There's that 
d — d Allan. I've been wantin' a pop at vhat cur for two 
weeks. They can't prowl around here and g-o home with, a 
whole hide." 

In u moment the two brothers were in the saddle. vScv- 
eral pistols and a double-barreled shotgun constituted the 
accoutrements of each. With as little noise as possible they 
passed out of the gate and rode right up behind the detectives, 
before they were observed. 

"Throw up, d — n you! throw up your hands!" cried 
James Younger, as he and his brother covered the detectives 
with their shotguns. 

" Drop your pistols, you curs ! " 

Nothing was left for Daniels and Allan to do but obey, as 
the robbers had every advantage. Wright, the St. Louis 
"cop," was riding in advance of the other two, and did not 
hear the command nor know anything of the attack until a 
shot was fired. 

James Younger dismounted to pick up the weapon that 
had been summarily deposited by the roadside, while John 
kept the murderous shotgun leveled at the prisoners. His 
arm becomino- tired he lowered the srun for a second, when 
c]uick as a flash the gallant Allan jerked a revolver from his 
breast pocket and sent a ball crashing through John Younger's 
neck. Younger reeled, dropped his gun, rallied again, and 
just as he was falling pulled a pistol from his pocket and fired. 




air 



2l8 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

The ball struck Captain Allan in the arm and side, inflicting 
quite a serious, but not fatal wound. But the heroic Captain 
was not to escape so easily ; James Younger fired two shots in 
rapid succession, both of which took effect, and Allan fell 
from his horse a dead man. Then began a terrible struggle 
for the young and courageous Daniels. He too, had preserved 
a jaistol in his breast pocket, with which he came very near 
ridding the country of the most desperate of these inhuman 
brothers. As quick as James Younger opened fire on Captain 
Allan, Daniels put a ball through one of Younger's arms. But 
the desperado was too skilled in the art to let an amateur beat 
him in a fair conflict. Before the young man could shoot a* 
second time a ball struck him in the neck, tore through the 
artery, and he fell from his horse mortally wounded. 

Had Wright been less frightened when he heard the first 
shot and seen what was the matter, young Daniels might have 
been living to-day, and James Younger in his place. But think- 
ing that the prospect was bad for a reward, and the atmos- 
phere was unhealthy in that region, he jDut spurs to his horse 
and departed. After killing Daniels and Allan, James 
Younger pursued Wright for a short distance, but without 
getting a shot at him. Returning to the spot where lay the 
three men expiring, James Younger gathered up the pistols 
of his brother and repaired to the Snuffer domicil. His 
brother John was brought into the house, and his remains 
cared for. James seemed much aflfected at the death of John, 
who had been with him in so many deadly conflicts and ter- 
rible experiences. A strong affection existed between the 
two. Their desperate natures seemed linked together with a 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 219 

chain of iron, that well nigh crushed the one when the other 
fell. 

As the news spread rapidly that two brave and heroic 
officers had fallen at the hands of Younger, said individual 
was obliged to move his quarters very suddenly and secretly. 
Taking the weapons of his dead brother with him, over which 
he swore vengeance many times, he repaired to Boone county, 
Arkansas, where another brother joined him. 

But what of the James Boys? How are they faring? 
Detectives have been on their track. Their trail has been 
scented — their rendezvous discovered, and hopes have run 
high; but lo! they have been more successful in escaping than 
the Youngers. Brave men sought their lives, but the Jameses 
were braver and shrewder than they. No such men have 
ever gone unhung in this country as these outlaws. Their 
lives seemed magic. Their knowledge of plans for their cap- 
ture almost supernatural. Every attempt was foiled, 
every effort unavailing. Perhaps the most cold-blooded and 
inhuman act of all this terrible tragedy will be presented in 
the next chapter. 




CHAPTER XXXI. 



A FARM LABORER — HE IS CAPTURED BY HIS EXPECTED 

CAPTIVES, AND PUT iO DEATH IN THE DARKNESS. 

As ill the first years of "the late unpleasantness" when a 
general failed against the confederates, his head was at once 
cut off, metaphorically, so whenever a fresh raid on bank, 
train or stage-coach was effected by the bandits of the West, 
a fresh effort was made by the authorities, usually at the very 
liberal sacrifice of one or more lives of regulars or volunteers. 

Fame and fortune awaited the successful, and lured the 
unsuccessful to premature death. Among these voluntary 
victims, Detective Wicher was one of the most lamented. 
After the Gad's Hill robbery he stepped forward in the hope 
of achieving what his predecessors had failed to accomplish. 
It was very generally believed that the James Brothers were 
involved in the enterprise referred to, and it was understood 
that they had returned to their home near Kearne3\ ^^ '^^^ 
against them that Mr. Wicher proposed to direct his ener- 
gies and ingenuity. He had lately assumed the burdens of 
matrimony, and hoped to reap a rich reward in this case. 
"Nothing ventnre, nothing have," has urged many to disas- 
ter; and Mr. Wicher's daring was not armed with the neces- 
sar}' caution. "Bearding the lion in his den" is a typical ex- 
pression for the highest courage, and such will be regarded 
the impelling force in the case of Mr. Wicher. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 221 

With the customary obstinacy of men overpowered by an 
idea, Wicher discounted all the dangers, and had faith in his 
scheme. He would deceive them by his disguise of a farm 
laborer, forgetting tbat a coarse suit of clothes and a bundle 
formed a thin disguise to observant outlaws. 

It was on the loth of March, 1874, that the devoted Wicher 
arrived at Liberty, the county seat of Clay county, Missouri, 
and immediately proceeded to the Commercial Savings' Bank 
where he met and had a conversation with Mr. Adkins, Presi- 
dent of the bank. He made his errand, or a part of it, known 
to Mr. Adkins, and deposited with him some money and 
papers. As the banker could not furnish all the necessary in- 
formation he sent the detective to Col. Moss, who did all he 
could to dissuade Wicher from his foolhardy enterprise. 

But nothing would serve the detective but an inroad into 
the home of the James' Boys. What he expected to do when 
he got there is past all figuring, and the fact is that he pos- 
sessed no understanding of the condition of affairs. He did 
not realize that the moment a stranger reached Clay county 
he was " spotted" by the friends of the outlaws, and was at 
their mercy from the outset. So it was with Wicher. 

There was in the town of Liberty on the day Wicher 
reached there, an old companion of the James Boys, — one 
James Latche. This fellow had made himself notorious, even 
in the midst of the rough life of the frontier, and had been 
run out of Texas for participation in a raid there. This man 
saw Wicher arrive in town, and watched him first to the 
bank, and afterward to the residence of the ex-sheriff. This 
was enough for Latche, but when an hour or two later he 



222 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

saw the detective dressed in his farm laborer's clothes, his 
suspicions became certainties. 

Wicher was doomed from the instant the eyes of Jim 
Latche rested upon him. The train from Liberty to Kear- 
ney did not leave until late in the afternoon, and long before 
that time the outlaw spy had reached the home of the gang, 
and had notified them of what he had seen and heard. 
There was a hasty consultation, and three men stole quietly 
to a hiding place by the roadside, a brief distance from the 
Samuels' house. The trap was baited for the victim. 

Swinging down the dusty road just at sundown came a 
trampish-looking young fellow, with his carpet sack slung 
over his shoulder. Out from the shade of a heavy tree 
appeared a man. The two met face to face — Wicher had 
found Jesse James at last. 

"How are you. Captain ? Fine evening," said the detective. 

"Where are you going?" said the other, with an oath. 

" You are not very civil, but I will answer you differently. 
I am looking for work on a farm. Can you tell me where I 
can find employment?" 

The other carelessly threw back his hand, and Wicher 

was looking down the barrel of a heavy revolver. "D n 

you, no," was the answer to this question. "You've got all 
he work old Pinkerton will ever give you." 

"What do I know about Pinkerton, and why should you 
treat me this way ? I am a stranger looking for work. If 
you will not be civil you can let me go about my business." 

The detective was cool, and tried manfully to keep up his 
assumed character, but he was dealing with a human tiger. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 223 

"You'll come sneaking around here to take the James 
Boys in, will you? " was the taunting reply. " You ain't the 
first of Pinkerton's gang I have put out of the way." 

" I know nothing about the James Boys, or Pinkerton, 
either; let me pass." The detective made one step forward. 

"Throw up your hands," commanded Jesse James. Two 
men, with pistols in each hand, stepped from the roadside. 
Wicher was a prisoner, and the captor was captured. 

The three outlaws conferred a moment, and then Jesse 
James addressed his victim : 

" You were at Liberty to-day and plotting there to capture 
the James Brothers. How do you like it as far as you've got, 
eh? Now I know you. Detectives can't come into this 
country and get out alive, and your fate is fixed. 

" Boys," continued the outlaw, turning to Jim Anderson 
and his companion Fox, " shall we do the job here? I think 
we'd better take him across the river. Disarm the spy." 

As the words of death passed the lips of the outlaw lead- 
er, the two men sprang upon the detective. One vain at- 
tempt he made to draw his trusty revolver, but the pistol ot 
Jesse was at his head, and in an instant he was disarmed. He 
stood helpless in the clutches of the James gang. 

At this moment Bradley Collins and Latche came up, and 
assisted in binding the detective. He was gagged and placed 
on the back of a horse. His legs were bound under the belly 
of the animal, and he rode off with his captors. 

For five hours through that dark night this strange proces- 
sion rode on through lonely woods and by lonely paths, 
known only to the outlaws. Tesse James, Bradley Collins 



224 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

and James Anderson were to do the work, and they had dc 
cided to take their victim across the Missouri to finish him. 
Surely never was man placed in a more awful position than 
poor Wicher, but he scorned to beg his life. It would have 
been useless had he offered millions of dollars for it. 

Before daybreak they had reached the Missouri River. 
At Blue Mills the ferryman had tied his bo^tt on the south 
side of the river. He was roused by shouts from the other side. 

"Hello, ferryman; bring her across in a hurry. We are 
on the hunt after horse thieves. Look alive." 

The boat was worked across and the four men rode on. 

" We have our man," said Jesse; "and if you don't want^ 
a dose yourself you keep quiet about this night's work." 

On tiie other side the men left the boat. This was the 
last ever seen alive of J. W. Wicher, except by his murderers^ 

They halted in a lonely place, about half way between 
Blue Mills and Independence. The long ride with pinioned 
arms and feet had deprived Wicher of all power to resist. 

A sharp report rang out on the still air, followed instantly 
by another. Wicher gave one convulsive bound, and all 
was over. At six o'clock a passer-by found lying in the 
road a corpse. There was a bullet-hole in the left breast and 
another wound in the forehead, and this was all there was to 
tell how Wicher met his fate at the hands of Jesse James. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

ATTACK ON CASTLE JAMES PLANNING THE ASSAULT 

A RIDICULOUS DEFEAT, AND ITS HORRIBLE CONSE- 
QUENCESr 

January 25th, 1875. On this day the great detective, 
Pinkerton, has decided to avenge the death of Lull, Daniels, 
and his favorite assistant, Wicher, and with one coup de grace 
redeem the profession of which he aspired to be, and believed 
himself to be the head, from the ridicule and contumely into 
which it had fallen. As yet no employe of his, no matter 
how cunning or wily, has discovered the secrets of the gang 
or decreased its numbers. As yet no brave-hearted man in 
secret service has won renown by bringing these desperadoes 
to justice; but to-day a plan that has been for two or three 
weeks growing shall be consummated — to-morrow the prison 
or the grave shall close upon the James Brothers — to-morrow 
Pinkerton & Co. will recover the laurels rhey have lost. 

"Oh, never shall sun that morrow see!" 

Mr. William Pinkerton, brother of the head of the firm, 
is in Kansas City. He has been there some days. No one 
knows it in the region except a band of citizens who de- 
sire to rid their State of these bloody marauders. He has 
brought with him a corps of assistants. These, too, are liiding 

and lurking in secret places. Cipher dispatches are daily, 
15 335 



326 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

sometimes hourly, sent to Chicago. Signs, words, and all 
kinds of communications are transmitted from citizen to detec- 
tive, and from detective to Chicago, from w^hence comes 
instructions. 

The James Brothers are in the neighborhood. They are 
at the residence of Dr. Samuels with their mother. Bad as 
they are, this one good trait remains — devotion to their mother. 
They are there to rest from their travels, and possibly to en- 
rich her with their spoils. They are seen about the^ prem- 
ises by the neighbors, and at the depot at Kearney by others 
who apparently are pre-occupied, but who really are more 
than ordinarily interested in their movements, each one of 
which is communicated to the detectives. Everybody is sure 
and certain that they are at home. 

The human poachers knew where their game was settled, 
and on the date referred to they determined to take it, alive 
or dead. The war so much prolonged and so disastrous to 
the detectives, is to end in complete victory for them. But 
never was attempt more foolish, reckless and cruel than this. 
It was absurd and futile. 

On the 24th, the day before the promised victory, the train 
from Chicago brought to Kansas City a reinforcement of the 
best skilled detectives the country could afford, or money em- 
ploy. On the evening of the 35th a special train left Kansas 
City and took them to Kearney Junction. Landed at the 
depot they were assured that the boys were at home. The 
neighbors have seen them that very day late in the afternoon 
or early in the evening. Once more they reckoned without 
their hos^. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



227 



Frank and Jesse James had by this time grown used to 
being hunted, and therefore senses that were dormant in most 
other men were quick and alive in them. We do not know 
whether the detectives would have made good banditti, but 
we feel certain these James Brothers would have made super- 
excellent detectives. The silence of Kansas City and Kear- 
ney was ominous to them. They knew it to be the precursor 
of a storm ; that there were no strangers about seeking con- 
versation or calling at the house, was itself suspicious; that the 
neighbors were silent and coldly friendly, woke their appre- 
hensions, and made them vigilant. They detected the detec- 
tives, learned that means were employed for their capture, 
and when the plan was to be carried out. They laughed at 
citizens talking the language of mutes, for they read it while 
it was used. They learned that the hieroglyphic operator had 
an unusual rush of business, and actually knew of the cipher 
dispntches to Chicago, and so on the afternoon of the 25th 
they discovered that Dr. Samuels' house was in an unhealthy 
situation, and left for a safe retreat. 

While the detectives were stealing cautiously and cun- 
ningly to capture them living or dead, they were traveling on 
their beautiful steeds in another direction, to the home of a 
mutual friend, and while the shameful blundering deed of 
blood was being wrought, were partaking of his hospitality. 

The reinforced corps of detectives and well armed citi- 
zens arrive at the residence of Dr. Samuels, " Castle James," 
as they call it. Around it at a comfortable distance extend 
the citizens as guards. To it approach nine of Pinkerton's 



238 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

best and bravest human bloodhounds; they have found the 
trail, are on the scent, and are sure of their prey. 

Their plan seems to have been to alarm the inmates, and 
thus bring to the rescue Frank and Jesse, whom they w^ould 
have then compelled to surrender or shoot dead. Therefore 
they prepared some balls of tow saturated with turpentine, or 
it may have been kerosene oil, and also some hand grenades, 
to be used if the battle became too hot for them. 

[For the benefit of our readers who mav not know the 
instrument designated, we may explain that it is a hollow ball 
or shell of iron filled with powder, wdiich is fired by means 
of a fuse, and thrown among enemies; this, bursting into 
many pieces does great injury, and is often particularly deadly, 
and always annoying and dangerous. They were used in an 
attempt on the life of Napoleon III, and were successful in 
the assassination of the late Czar of the Russias. See 
Webster.] 

The operations commence. Two men approach a win- 
dow and attempt to open it. The noise occasioned by the 
attempt, though exceedingly slight, aroused a negro servant 
who was sleeping in the room, who immediately sent such a 
yell of alarm through the house as only a negress can utter. 
This roused the whole family, and to her aid came rushing 
Mrs. and Dr. Samuels and the entire fomily, some of whom 
were mere children. See! A ball of lurid light goes hissing 
through the window into the room and falls among the 
affrighted inmates. Its flames reveal all who are there, but 
no Frank or Jesse James. Another comes, and once more 
the light exposes the women and frightens the children, but 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 229 

does not bring out the outlaws. And now, most horrible to 
relate, one man, let us hope more zealous than obedient, 
throws into the group of defenceless women and children a 
grenade, which immediately explodes; a deafening noise fills 
the room with clouds of smoke, shrieks, cries of pain, and> 
hear it, ye blundering detectives, a dying groan! Even this 
ignominious attempt brings no James Brothers to the defence. 

The assailants did not remain to learn the extent of the 
injuries they had perpetrated, but they knew that their plot- 
ting was in vain ; that their deeply laid scheme had not suc- 
ceeded; that instead of ensnaring they had scared the game. 

We spoke of a dying groan. From whom came it? 
Wait until the smoke has cleared away, and we will show 
you. On the floor lies a child eight years of age, his side 
completely blown off, the mangled flesh scattered around him 
or hanging on him in tatters. A few moments and the river 
of his blood will have flown away. Over him sits his mother, 
Mrs. Samuels, her right arm lying in yonder corner. Dr. S. 
is bruised and cut all over. The frightened negress is seri- 
ously hurt, and every one injured. The walls are charred 
with fire, the furniture broken, the floor wet and red with 
blood. 

A day or two afterward, when the detectives are at home, 
discouraged, and, let us hope, ashamed, this afflicted family 
laid their little one in a grave in the garden, which a merciful 
God immediately covered with the winter snow — fit symbol 
of the child's innocence, teaching thus that it is far better to 
die in the peaceful innocence of childhood, than to live the 
hunted agony of guilt. Had he lived he might have joined 



230 



OUTLAWS OF THE BOkDER. 



his brothers, and added one more to the detested brotherhood 
of James. 

Whether or not it was lawful for these gentlemen to pur- 
sue the plan they did, we do not pretend to say. Perhaps 
outlaws deserve no mercy. But it seems to us that there is a 
point beyond which a detective ought not to go— most cer- 
tainly the child did not deserve the violent death. Let us 
hope that they felt keenly not only the failure of their plot, 
but the accident which took the life of a guiltless boy. 

"But were Frank and Jesse at home? " asked a neighbor 
of Mrs. Samuels. "Were they at home? you inquire. 
Could they have been, and nobody killed?" was her signifi- 
cant reply. " The James Brothers will seek revenge." 




CHAPTER XXXIIL 

CONCILIATION AND REVENGE PROPOSED AMNESTY FOR 

THE OUTLAWS A CURIOUS DOCUMENT. 

Up to the time when the detectives made their last bold 
attempt to capture these young men, public opinion was 
against them. They were dreaded by all, and few if any of 
the inhabitants of Missouri but would have rejoiced to hear of 
their capture, and have seen them executed. But when it was 
seen that the detective force were urged by revengeful mo- 
tives; that they had no scruple whatever, so that they might 
attempt and accomplish their purpose; when again it was 
learned that the innocent had suffered for the guilty, it became 
known that the desperadoes were too much for the crafty 
men who hunted them, the tide of feeling began to flow in 
their favor, and if they could not justify these men, it was 
thought best to let them alone, or make an effort to conciliate 
them, if possible, and restore them to such a place in society 
as they might with their unquestioned ability adorn. 

Many of the most respectable of the people all over the 
State favored one or other of these plans. They seemed to 
read in the attempts to capture these men, a series of perse- 
cutions instituted by the government for political purposes, or 
for the punishment of crime committed during the war. The 
reasons used to set forth this policy have been enumerated by 
a previous writer somewhat as follows. Whether they pos- 

231 



232 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



sess any weight, we leave to the judgment of the readero It 
was said: i. That the State had already lost considerable 
sums in pursuing them, and failed. 2. It was more than 
doubtful whether they could ever be captured. 3. That 
while the James and the Youngers were declared to be, and 
were treated as outlaws, other bad men would commit crimes 
and shift the responsibility onto the outlawed men. 4. That 
the course pursued against these men was a series of persecu- 
tions. 5. It was finally pleaded that the resistless hunt after 
these men was stimulated by the vindictive feeling of political 
enemies, engendered by the war and dating therefrom, and 
therefore inasmuch as the United States government ha<^ 
granted amnesty to its enemies for acts committed during the 
continuance of hostilities, that it was not right for the State 
of Missouri to pursue with vindictiveness any of its citizens, 
for acts committed during the war; and they also contended 
that the outlawry of these men grew out of their course in the 
period intervening between 1861 and 1865. 

Undoubtedly there was an element of truth in some of 
these statements, but they seem to us to be most miserable 
reasons for granting license to these men to continue their 
work of robbery and murder. As all other means had failed, 
the work of reconciliation had to be attempted, and therefore 
the views which we have tabulated above took a formal shape 
in an elaborate preamble and a formal resolution, which were 
submitted with much grace and sincerity to the Legislature of 
Missouri, and advocated with much zeal and eloquence by the 
late lamented Gen. JefF. Jones of Calloway county, and a 
member of the House of Representatives. These received 



OUTLAWS OF THE iBORDEn. 233 

the approval of Attorney General John A. Hockaday, and 
manv professional gentlemen of high standing and ability. 

As this is one of the most curious circumstances in the 
annals of crime, we append the essential part of the interest- 
ing document. 

"OUTLAW AMNESTY BILL." 

Whereas, By the 4th section of the nth Article of the Constitution 
of Missouri, all persons in the military service of the United States, or 
who acted under the authority thereof in this State, are relieved from all 
civil liability and all criminal punishment for all acts done by them since 
the ist day of January, A. D. 1861 : and, 

W^HEREAS, By the 12th section of the said nth Article of said Con- 
stitution, provision is made by which, under certain circumstances, may 
be seized, transported to, indicted, tried and punished in distant counties, 
any Confederate under ban of despotic displeasure, thereby contravening 
the Constitution of the United States and every principle of enlightened 
humanity ; and 

Whereas, Such discrimination evinces a want of manly generos- 
ity and statesmanship on the part of the party imposing, and of courage 
and manhood on the part of the party submitting tamely thereto; and 

Whereas, Under the outlawry pronounced against Jesse W.James, 
Frank James, Coleman Younger, Robert Younger and others, who gal- 
lantly periled their lives and their all in defense of their principles, they 
are of necessity made desperate, driven as they are from the fields of hon- 
est industry, from their friends, their families, their homes and their 
country, they can know no law but the law of self preservation, nor can 
have no respect for and feel no allegiance to a government which forces 
them to the very acts it professes to deprecate, and then offers a bounty 
for their apprehension, and arms foreign mercenaries with power to cap- 
ture and kill them ; and 

Whereas, Believing these men too brave to be mean, too generous 
to be revengeful, and too gallant and honorable to betray a friend, or 
break a promise; and believing further that most, if not all of the ofienses 
with which they are charged have been committed by others, and per- 
haps by those pretending to hunt them, or by their confederates; that 
their names are and have been used to divert suspicion from, and thereby 
relieve the actual perpetrators; that the return of these men to their 



234 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

homes and friends would have the effect of greatly lessening crime in 
our State, by turning public attention to the real criminals, and that com- 
mon justice, sound policy and true statesmanship, alike demand that 
amnesty should be extended to all alike of both parties for all acts done 
or charged to have been done during the war; therefore, be it 
Resolved by the House of Representatives^ the Senate concurring therein: 
That the Governor of the State be, and he is hereby requested to 
issue his proclamation notifying the said Jesse W. James, Frank James, 
Coleman Younger, Robert Younger and James Younger and others; 
that full and complete amnesty and pardon will be granted them for all 
acts charged or committed by them during the late civil war, and inviting 
them peacefully to return to their respective homes in this State, and 
there quietly to remain, submitting themselves to such proceedings as 
may be instituted against them by the courts for all offenses charged to 
have been committed since said war, promising and guaranteeing to them 
and each of them full protection and a fair trial therein, and that full pro- 
tection shall be given them from the time of their entrance into the 
State, and his notice thereof under said proclamation and invitation. 

The bill was first introduced in March, 1S75, and was 
fully discussed by the Committee on Criminal Jurispru- 
dence. A majority of the committee agreed to recommend 
the bill to the House of Representatives. Near the close of 
the session of the 28th General Assembly it came up for its 
third reading. The debate was long and animated. General 
•Jones wrought most nobly to see the bill pass. It was, how- 
ever, defeated, and that act of the Democratic Legislature of 
Missouri was the practical ratification of Gov. Silas Wood- 
son's message of outlawry communicated to the 27th General 
Assembly. 

It is reported that the raiders were aware of this measure; 
that during the time of its submission and discussion not a 
robbery or murder was committed in the State, or thereabouts, 
and that they were anxious for its passage. What they could 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. ^^r 

have gained it is nard to see. If they had been forgiven all 
the crime committed by them until the close of the war, then 
the long catalogue of murder and crime since that time would 
have been brought home to them, and one of two things must 
have resulted, either imprisonment for hfe or the gallows. 
Still it is to be hoped that they desired to leave the life in 
which they had spent so much time, brains and bravery, and 
perhaps they presumed that the kindly spirit of these resolu- 
tions would be extended, or their surrender cover all of their 
crimes. Our opinion is that if the bill had passed they would 
have given themselves up to the authorities, and by them have 
been treated with more mercy than they had ever shown to 
others. This is the critical moment of their life. We think 
they felt it to be so, for it has been affirmed again and again 
that they communicated with Governor Hardin and the At- 
torney General on the matter through the Sheriff of Clay 
county. What these communications were no one knows, 
and perhaps never will. The bill failed, and the boys were 
left to wander— not- only branded with the mark of Cain, but 
intensified Ishmaelites, their hands against every man, and 
every man's hand against them. 

The bill failed. After its introduction in March, 1875, it 
was referred to the Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence. 
There it was fully and ably discussed. It was agreed to re- 
port favorably to the House of Representatives. Toward the 
close of the session the bill came up for the third reading. An 
influential representative named made a strong speech in its 
favor. The members were favorably impressed. But oppo- 
sition «ame from a quarter from whence it was not expected. 



^36 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



A member read a portion of Go\'. vSilas Woodson's message to 
the Twenty-Seventh Assembly denouncing these same outlaws, 
and the Legislature refused to j^ass the bill. " Thou shalt 
not establish iniquity by a law." Society refused to receive 
them back and pardon them. 




CHAPTER XXXIV. 

THE SAN ANTONIO STAGE ROBBERY "ONE GENEROUS ACT." 

In the days of railroad and steamboat traveling, we easily 
forget the daysof the good old stage coach; we scarcely call it 
speed, unless we move at the rate of forty miles an hour. Nor do 
we care to take a journey without the newspaper, the novel, 
the peanut vender and the orange boy; what care we for 
scenery, so long as we can fly through space with these neces- 
saries of life added to dust, cinders, smoke and nervousness? 
The possibility of accident lends zest to the flight. These, 
unfortunately, are more frequent than welcome, and more 
fearful than anything of which our grandfathers or grand- 
mothers conceived. Nothing in the civil life of the past was 
ever so dreadful in its suffering results as a modern railroad 
disaster. When we are shot through space by electricity, 
or sent under the ocean by pneumatic forces, or possibly 
sail above the world in balloons, these may be eclipsed. 
But whatever painful accidents may be in the future; to what- 
ever accident our present mode of traveling may consign us, 
let no one dream that there were no dangers attending the old 
stage coach. 

Perhaps now, there is no more healthful or pleasant 

method of crossing a country than this. Let us have a 

pleasant summer day, four good horses, a good whip, and a 

237 



238 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

seat beside the driver, and we will not thank you to ask us to 
take a seat beside you in the " lightning express." We are 
not at all surprised that people of wealth and leisure are 
adopting the old-fashioned vehicle, and that people of taste 
prefer it to any other mode of viewing the land. In the 
course of twenty years there will probably be a " four in hand 
club " in every city on the continent. 

Perils of robbers belonged to the stage coach. Few 
coaches but had a history of robbery and death. It were 
therefore strange if the James Brothers had not resorted to 
this method of j^rosecuting their diabolical business. 

After the murder of farmer Askew, who was a great fa- 
vorite in his neighborhood — in fact, wherever he was known 
— the tide of feeling toward conciliating these men turned to 
indignation; and they therefore thought it a stroke of good 
policy to depart to pastures new. 

They hid themselves in the Indian Territory for a time. 
Here, by means best known to themselves, they collected a 
gang of ruffians of their own ilk and determined upon trying 
Texas. Imagine this band of outlawed men, Jesse James, 
Clell Miller, Jim Reed, Cole and Jim Younger, and another, 
supposed to be "Frank James. 

There was a mail coach that ran regularly between San 
Antonio and Austin. They selected the spot in which they 
would meet it, about twenty-five miles west of Austin, where 
the coach would be at dark, May 12, 1875. 

On the coach were eleven passengers — a most excellent 
company — high-toned, aristocratic, wealthy for the most 
part. One maiden lady fiiir, fat and forty, at the least. Sev- 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



239 



eral other ladies with charms, watches, rings and purses; 
Mr. Breckenridge, president of the First National Bank, San 
Antonio; and last, but by no means least, the Right Rev. 
Bishop Gregg of Texas. 

The day had been lovely, the ride charming, the balmy 
air had invigorated them. The monotonous scenery had been 
forgotten in the cheerfulness of the company. The monotony 
of riding for a day had been broken by anecdote, joke and 
song. The driver had lost his taciturnity and become as 
merry as the bishop, and as important as the banker. And 
now as if to compensate for the barrenness of the wilderness, 
the sun gathers all the beauties of the sky together and 
paints the heavens in all the colors of the rainbow, arranges 
the clouds into the likeness of forests, of flocks, of armies, of 
cathedrals, and brightens them all with his parting smiles 
while he steps into a chariot of fiery glory and leaves the world 
with an intimation that he has gone to a land where there is 
no night, where the need of his beams is never known. 

The gloaming has come upon the travelers. Thicker 
wraps are used. Somnolence steals over them. Half asleep, 
half awake, they move on ; nothing but the crack of the 
driver's whip and the rumble of the heavy wheels to break 
the silence of the immeasurable prairie. 

Jehu sees something in the distance. They seem like 
rancheros and yet they are not riding mustangs, but splendid 
American horses. He is a little puzzled and says half to him- 
self, and as much to the others : 

" I'll swar them's queer fellers!" 

They rode toward him at a rapid pace, and before he had 



240 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

time to deliver himself oracularly, the leader of the gang rode 
up to him, and pointing a loaded revolver at his head, w^ith 
an oath ordered him to stop with the alternative of having 
his brains blown out. 

Jehu stopped. 

In the twinkling of an eye the robbers ranged themselves 
three on a side and held the whole company under cover of 
their weapons. 

" Come tumble out," the leader laconically commanded. 
" Do it quick if you don't want to die where you sit." 

As no one of the party, not even the Bishop, cared about 
taking the " silent road to the immortals " just then, they ^ 
" tumbled out," and were formed into a group by themselves, 
which was enlarged by the addition of the driver. Two of 
the robbers kept them in awe by standing over them with 
their revolvers. 

The two leading horses were detached. Then began the 
search for booty. The United States mail bags were cut 
open, registered letters extracted, valuable packages stolen. 
One of the bags was made to hold the plunder. Having 
confiscated all that was possible from Uncle Sam, they turned 
their attention to the passengers. 

First they began by breaking open their trunks and pack- 
ages. The ladies were insulted as their articles of clothing 
were searched for money and jewels, they were mortified as 
trinket after trinket so dear to the female heart, so pleasantly 
associated with tender and sacred memories, were ruthlessly 
derided, destroyed, or stolen. 

This over, Jesse James addressed the outraged company 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 241 

in tones of mocking courtesy, and said as blandly as possible, 
" Ladies and gentlemen, we will now relieve you of any 
money or articles of value you may have about you." 

" Do you mean to rob us? " cried the Bishop. 

" Oh dear no," said Jesse, " we only desire to reheve you 
of any incumbrance, that's all, old sock. You should not use 
such language to us. It is ugly." 

" Don't you call that robbery? " responded the prelate. 
" Come now, old coon. Dry up. Don't ask any more 
nonsensical questions. Fork over. Let's have the money." 

Discretion being the better part of valor, the Bishop 
silently complied. 

" Now that watch of yours," they demanded. 

" What! you surely will allow me to keep my watch. It 
is a gift most dearly prized. Will you dare to rob an humble 
minister of Christ of his timepiece, the gift of loving and 
devoted friends ?" 

" Hand it over at once," demanded Jesse, getting impatient. 
" You must pay the full toll." Most piteously he pleaded 
with the unscrupulous robber that he might keep his watch, 
but in vain; all that he could say was met with threats and 
ridicule. 

"So, ho! you are a parson then, are you — it makes no dif- 
ference. Christ did not have a watch and he did not ride in 
stages, either. He walked about or else rode on an ass to do 
his Father's will, and wasn't arrayed in purple and fine linen, 
and didn't fare sumptuously every day. Preachers have no 
use for watches. Go and travel like the Master without one. 
Take off them silk buckskins, put on the camel's hair. Now 

;6 



242 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

then, out with that watch. Not another word — not one! 
We are not Christians, we are Philistines." 

Tiie Bishop gave it up most reluctantly, but it was loss of 
watch or loss of life. 

" Got anything more ? " asked Jesse. 

" Nothing," replied the Bishop. 

" Well then, search him," said Jesse to Cole Younger, "we 
can't depend on these canting parsons in an affair of honor." 
The search was fruitless, and the Bishop was liberated. 

Eight gentlemen were searched, and but little found. 
Then they came to Mr. Breckenridge of the San Antonio 
bank. He proved to be a big bonanza. They found on him 
and took from him over one thousand dollars, an elegant gold 
watch, and a valuable diamond pin. 

The ladies were next attacked. They were commanded 
to yield their treasures. 

" Hand out your pocket-book," said Jesse to the first one 
approached. She v/as aged, and wore the signs of respect- 
able poverty. She obeyed and he proceeded to examine its 
contents by the light of a lantern. 

" Madam," said he in tones respectful and deferential, " is 
this all you have ? " 

" Every cent in the world, sir." 

" How far are you going ? " 

" To Houston." 

" Here then, take your money, we regret having annoyed 
you." 

To her intense gratification the lady found when she reached 
home that the robber had placed in her pocketbook a twenty 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 243 

dollar bill, and she was often heard to say in after days when 
she rehearsed the events of this night to her friends, " Well, 
well, the Boys were bad sure enough, as Heaven knows, but 
they might have been a good deal worse, and Jesse was very 
good to me." 

From the other ladies they took all they could find. 
From the fair old maid they purloined a gold watch and a 
hundred dollars in cash. 

The job took them nearly two hours to complete. Not 
one of the company resisted, only the Bishop remonstrated, 
but it was in vain. They hauled about $3,500 besides the 
plunder from the mail bags and the leading span of horses. 
Enjoining strict silence and secrecy on their victims, they rode 
away into the dark and desolate night. 

The stage rumbled slowly on, carrying to its destination a 
poverty stricken and heart broken group with onl}^ one 
redeeming thought — they had by yielding their possessions, 
purchased their lives. 

The life of a desperado is a terrible one. Let no young 
man who may read this book eliminate the excitement and 
the success if it may be so called, from the hardships, the 
homelessness, the constant apprehensions, and the inevitable 
end, the gallows. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

THE FATE OF FARMER ASKEW. 

Like a lioness bereaved of her whelps they rose from their 
period of hope in which vengeance slept, and remembered 
the fatal night at Kearney, the mutilated mother, the mangled 
child, the grave in the garden, and swore vengeance! 
Hitherto they have been but learning their trade, now and 
hereafter they will follow it, lead where it may, to what 
it will. They are now hopeless and desperate men. They 
paint this word upon their banner, unfurl its red letters to the 
prairie breeze. Woe be to the men who cross their path. 
Woe deeper yet to those who belonged to the party on that 
fatal night at Kearney. Among the many whom they sus- 
picioned as having been engaged with the detectives in the raid 
on the home of Dr. Samuels, was a flourishing farmer and 
prominent citizen of Clay county named Daniel H. Askew, 
" Old Dan Askew," as they called him. Such men are not 
easily prejudiced against particular persons, and therefore it is 
necessary that we learn U23on what they based their feelings 
against him. He was a very plain-speaking man, and in the 
strongest terms had denounced the proceedings of these James 
Brothers. He was said to have been one of the parties who, 
with the detectives, made the raid above mentioned. Whether 
he was or not is doubtful, for Mr. Askew frequently denied 
any participation In that shameful matter ; indeed, he dis- 

244 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 245 

claimed all knowledge of it whatever. But they suspected 
him, and it was enough to produce dislike. Their suspicions 
grew into belief when some of the scouts found a couple 
of blankets and evidence of the late presence of men in 
the haystacks of Mr. Askew. Their belief was greatly 
strengthened by the departure of Jack Ladd, a young man 
in the farmer's employment, who left the country on the night 
of the assault. These facts were far more than the denials of 
the blunt and honest farmer. They had sworn, and would 
have " vengeance I" 

The night of April I3th, 1875, was beautiful, calm and 
clear. The house and farm buildings of Mr. Askew stood 
in the light of the brilliant moon. The peace of heaven 
was shedding its benedictions upon the home of this horny- 
handed son of toil. The day's work was done, the evening 
meal disposed of, the events of the day rehearsed. Just a 
few chores, in anticipation of the morning, and then the 
needed rest for the weary man and the sweet rest that at- 
tends the honest man, will lock the family in its silent arms. 

About fifty yards from the house is a spring. To it Mr. 
Askew takes a bucket for water. Returning with it to 
the house, he set it down upon the porch, reached for a 
dipper and lifted from the "old oaken bucket" the healthful 
draught and applied it to his lips, when lo! ringing on the calm 
evening air is the report of a rifle ; through the full moon- 
light a deadly bullet whistled. Now another and now an- 
other, each one aimed at Askew, and each one lodging in his 
brain. He fell to the floor and expired in a moment. The 
alarmed wife and daughter rushed out to see the father fall 



246 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

and three men flee from behind a woodpile which had been 
built in front of the house. Who were they? Perhaps the 
question will never be answered on earth ; but it is morally 
certain that, in the final judgment of all men, Frank James, 
Jesse James and Clell Miller will have to answer for the 
deed. 

A little while afterward, that same night, three men, 
answering to these in height and form and voice, called at 
the house of one William Sears, whom they summoned to 
the door and said : ** See here, we have killed old Dan 
Askew, and if any one wants to know who did it, tell them it 
was the detectives." Thus attempting to throw the crime 
upon Pinkerton, who was then in bad odor through the 
country, they departed. 

The tide that had flowed in their favor now began to ebb 
the other way. The coroner and gentlemen of the jury 
who investigated the circumstances of the murder, knew that 
he had been killed by three unrivaled shots; but who they 
were, they had no evidence to show. We must leave the 
matter till the secrets of all hearts and lives shall be 
revealed. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

ROBBERY OF THE MUNCIE EXPRESS ANOTHER FRUITLESS 



After the robbery of the stage, this band of lawless young 
men were in hiding. For a few months the money lasted 
them. The winter is at hand, and if they are to live they 
must make other efforts to acquire the means to do so. They 
have heard possibly from one Jackson Bishop who had been 
a noted guerilla of Quantrell's party, and who was in the 
mining business in Colorado, and possibly from some friend 
in the employ of the government, that a very large cargo of 
gold dust is en route to the East from Denver by the Kansas 
Pacific railroad. 

They held a council of war and decided that this was 
their opportunity. So they journeyed from Texas through 
the Indian Territory to Kansas. 

One night in December, 1875, when the stars were shining 
from the brilliant heavens, the cars bearing this government 
treasure came slowing into the little depot at Muncie. It 
halted at the water tank, and as it did so the voice of Jesse 
whispered, "Now, boys! Quick, quiet and steady!" Not 
another word. In a moment the train was boarded. Bill 
McDaniels held the engineer and fireman under the terror of 
two pistols, and swore that if they so much as " winked an 

247 



248 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



eyebrow " he would send them to the country where summer 
clothing is not much in requisition. 

The other robbers disposed of themselves according to 
previous arrangements. Two of them stood on the platform 
of the cars guarding the doors. The others rushed through 
commanding silence on the passengers, and threatening them 
with death if they attempted to make any noise that would 
arouse attention. This done they proceeded to the baggage 
car where they held the express messenger at their will. 
They opened the safe and leisurely counted and appropriated 
the treasure. It was a bold stroke, a daring deed. In less ' 
than fifteen minutes they had become the possessors of thirty 
thousand dollars worth of gold dust, some silver and other 
valuables to the extent of twenty-five hundred dollars or 
more, and with it were escaping over the Kansas prairie. 

In these few moments they had stolen from the govern- 
ment without a man to resist them, fifty-five thousand dollars. 
Not a cent was ever obtained. Not a man was arrested, and 
the crime was so adroitly committed that it could be proven 
against no one. ^ 

Not a passenger was molested, nor any one on the train 
hurt. It may be that the prize was so great that they forgot 
to commit any murder. 

The news spread like a prairie fire. The murder of Dan 
Askew was revived. Hundreds of men joined themselves 
together and formed hunting parties, but they never took the 
game. The government and citizens both were outwitted 
and beaten by these shrewd and lawless men. 

It is said that the place where a crime has been committed 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 249 

holds a terrible fascination for a certain class of minds. They 
cannot keep away from it. One such- was in this desperado 
gang, for Bill McDaniels was in Kansas City a few days 
afterward. He was arrested for being drunk ; on his person 
were found some articles which were identified as having 
been on the express car at Muncie, besides a very large sum 
of money. But he svyore he had honestly earned it in Colo- 
rado. He was not a man for the authorities to let go, and so 
on some pretext or other he was lodged in the prison at Law- 
rence, Kansas. Detectives were employed, pardon offered, 
money tendered, so that from him they might learn the names 
and whereabouts of the men engaged in the Muncie affair. 
But he was silent. He knew nothing, and told nothing. 

As the police were taking him from the calaboose to trial, 
Bill escaped to the woods. For a whole week he hid, while 
they hunted him there. At last a citizen named Bannerman 
fired a shot which wounded him fatally. In death he was 
true to his partners in guilt. Not a word implicating them 
passed his lips. The secret was carried with him to another 
world. Alas, that such fidelity is not oftener seen in those 
who profess a higher service and a deeper attachment. 

The gang were deeply chagrined at Bill, that he should 
have allowed himself to be taken, and to be taken drunk w^s 
cause for much mortification and indignation. But when they 
learned of the efforts made to derive from him the informa- 
tion he possessed and failed, that he was true to the last 
moment, and held out against bribe, promise and threat, they 
forgot his folly and forgave it. 

When they heard that he died game, they held a sort of 



250 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

Irish wake in his honor. Filling their bumpers and raising 
them to their lips, Jesse, half sad and half in mirth, said with 
his usual oath, " Boys, he was a brick after all, so here's to 
Bill McDaniels wherever he is; he was game to the last, and 
died without a squeal ! Here's to Bill." He deserved the com- 
pliment. Had he spoken one word he might have yet been 
alive and they every one been lynched many years ago. But 
uncertain is the life that depends on the word of honor of a 
bandit. 

On the same day that the robbery was committed at 
Muncie, another was committed at Corinth, Mississippi, 
many hundreds of miles away. The James Boys were so 
notorious as robbers that this was charged to them. It was 
impossible for them to have been in both places at the same 
time. They were capable of many things, but hardly equal 
to that. It is quite likely that they knew of it, perhaps they 
planned it, and without doubt it was executed by some of 
the members of their gang. We must exonerate them from 
any personal participation in it. And if all the truth were 
known it would be seen that many crimes were committed 
and laid at their door, of which they knew nothing. " Give 
a dog a bad name, and hang him." It became the fashion 
just as much as it is now to daub on China, to say that every 
notorious deed was wrought by them. 

These false charges gained them some sympathy. They 
felt, and others too, that they were wronged men. Be that 
as it may, they richly deserved this reputation. They were 
capable of committing any violation of law, divine or human. 
Had they been honest and honorable men, no one would 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



251 



have thought of associating their names with any misde- 
meanor. They brought this odium upon themselves. They 
sowed the wind and reaped the whirlwind. Served them 
right! Did not such a result always follow a life like theirs, 
a number of innocent people would be charged with foul 
and bloody deeds, and suffer in consequence. 

Then there was in these men that element of cowardice 
which seeks to throw the blame of wrong doing upon others. 
Ever since Adam endeavored to blame his wife for his fall, 
his magnanimous sons have sought to blame some other 
for their trangressions. It is a fact patent to all that if any- 
thing is smashed in a house the cat did it; and if anything 
is wrong in a store the boy did it ; and if any one goes astray 
in a church the devil is the cause of it, and among criminals 
society is always blamed. There is not a prison or a peni- 
tentiary, in this or any other land, where the prisoners 
acknowledge that it is by their fault that they are there. 
Wives, parents, children, companions, are unjustly blamed. 
With the true disposition of criminals, the James Boys accused 
the government with being the cause of their mode of life, 
and we are sorry to add that in this idea agreed many citi- 
zens, otherwise respectable, of all grades in society, and of 
every political party. 

After the Muncie and Corinth affairs matters were quiet. 

Here we may tarry to answer questions that we feel sure 
will arise in the minds of our readers. Where were the men, 
and what were they doing? It is not at all likely that they 
would remain together. It is an open secret that they sepa- 
rated to hide in large cities. There are no better places for 



252 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



such a purpose, and Jesse James was in the habit of going to 
New York, where he put up at the best hotels under an 
assumed name. Here he was a dashing young fellow, fond 
of dress and of a good time generally. He always went 
about well armed, was always on the alert, and although 
plans were frequently laid to capture him, he was always 
o-one before they could be carried into execution. 




CHAPTER XXXVII. 

IN VIRGINIA THE HUNTINGTON RAID. 

From the fall of 1S75 to the spring of 1S76 was a long 
holiday. They could afford it and made the most of it, but 
at this latter date they met and began their infernal business 
once more. 

Missouri, Mississippi and Kansas were left. They 
turned their face toward and devoted their energies to West 
Virginia. Huntington, Cabell county, is a lovely town with 
about 3,000 inhabitants. It is beautifully situated on the 
Ohio River. The Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad runs through 
it. Before the introduction of the locomotive it was dull 
enough — a veritable Sleepy Hollow; but afterward it was 
wide awake and thrifty. It drew a large amount of trade to 
which it had been before a stranger. This was the place 
that the bold banditti selected for the scene of their new 
operations. 

It has been reputed that early in the spring of 1S76, 
Mr. R. T. Orrey, cashier of the bank, was conversing with 
one of his depositors on the common events of the day, and 
from these to the anticipated opening of the Centennial 
Exposition. The point turned upon the kind of speech 
General Grant would make at its opening. 

"Wall, I guess he won't say much. Haint nothin' much 

253 



254 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



to say. I guess anyhow he'll just say what other folks tell 
him," said the banker derisively. 

" Do you know," responded the customer with a smile, 
" that I think that is Grant's salvation ? He owes much as a 
soldier to his skill and success; but, as a statesman, he owes 
most of all to his wonderful ability to hold his tongue. 
Doesn't Shakespeare or some other old coon say, * He that 
can hold his tongue is bigger than he that wins a battle?' 
Now Grant can do that best of all. Drunk or sober, it 
doesn't matter which, he never talks. And then when he 
makes a speech folks thinks they're awful cute, because they 
are etarnal short. But they're after all shorter in sense than* 
words. He can say nothing profoundly." 

The talk flowed on in this vein till two o'clock in the 
afternoon, when four men on horseback came trotting down 
the street. They were comparatively unnoticed. Arriving 
in front of the bank, two of them dismounted and entered the 
building — Frank James and Cole Younger. Two remained 
outside to prevent interference on the part of the inhabitants. 
The two who entered the bank covered Mr. Orrey and his 
customer with their shooting irons. As the safe door was 
open, the task of getting the spoils was accomplished with- 
out difficulty, and $10,000, in as quick time as it takes to read, 
were removed from the safe to an empty bag brought for 
the purpose. Mr. Orrey and his friend were helplessly 
bound and threatened with instant death if they gave any 
alarm. They then remounted their horses and went at a 
flying pace for the hiding-places of the Virginia hills. 

Those who remained outside kept the citizens in awe by 



OUTLAWS OF THE BVRDER, 255 

their murderous fire-arms, their daring desperation, and their 
unerring aim. The whole affair did not last half an hour. 
The whole of it was done so quietly, that perhaps not more 
than a dozen people knew of it when they were leaving the 
surprised citizens to untie Mr. Orrey and his friend. Their 
horses ran at the top of their sjDeed, and before the citizens 
could muster for following them, they had put many miles 
between themselves and the peaceable citizens of the thrifty 
little Virginia town. 

The first thing done in these cases is to follow and take 
the desperadoes. Therefore the sheriff gathered twenty-five 
noble souls around him for that purpose. Authorities through- 
out the region were notified, and if the whole country did not 
turn out after them, the whole country was on the lookout 
for them. Bligh, the Louisville detective, was employed. 
He directed the hunt, and sent his very best men into the 
fray. For days the pursuit was exciting. The robbers were 
diverted from their rendezvous. Their horses gave out and 
were abandoned. They rushed for safety into the mountains 
of Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee. The pursuers overtook 
the pursued. A terrible fight followed. Both sides fought 
furiously. A bullet pierced the heart of Tom McDaniell 
and stopped it forever. Jack Kean was taken, — the others 
escaped with the booty. Jack Kean was tried, found guilty, 
and sentenced to eight years' imprisonment in the penitentiary. 

The James Brothers were not captured. They, with 
Cole Younger, escaped into the Indian Territory, where they 
divided the funds equally between them. 



CHAPTER XXXVIIL 



OF LOVE AND DANGER A STRANGE WEDDING TOUR. 

It affords us real pleasure to turn to the better nature of 
those of whom we have been writing. A true charity will 
rejoice that amid so much that is evil some little good can be 
found. Notwithstanding all " the wrong they did, we must 
never forget that they were men, subject to the same tempta- 
tions, and capable of being good like ourselves. Had our cir- 
cumstances been as theirs we might have been like them ; 
had theirs been as ours they might have been like us. Had 
we given way to the temptations that beset us, we might 
have been witii the vicious; but having vs^ithstood, we are 
numbered with the virtuous. We believe that in these des- 
peradoes were the elements of noble men, but they were per- 
verted, and the men became as bad as they might have been 
good. 

The sons of a Christian minister, they had excellent train- 
ing, and education above the average. It is impossible that 
these should be fruitless. While all this made them worse, 
enabling them to do what by lack of education they other- 
wise would not have done, yet it was the one hope of their 
redemption. They had refined feelings, and memory of bet- 
ter days, a Christian home, a mother's love and a father's 

prayers, by which they might be won back to society. It 

256 



i%/ 



17 



'57 



258 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

would be passing strange if this did not manifest itself some- 
where at some time. 

At a conference of colored ministers and churches, the pre- 
siding officer asked concerning a brother: "Is he entirely 
sanctified ? " To which the brother replied : " Boss, I guess I 
is in spots." 

A better answer has never been given. The best are 
good in spots, and perfectly good in very small spots, if in 
any. The worst are good somewhere. 

" Grandma," said a young lady to her aged relative, who 
had a pleasant habit of saying all the good she could of every 
one, " I do believe you would say something good of the 
devil; you can see no harm in any one, I do declare." 

"Well, my dear," the benign old lady replied, "I really 
think we ought to admire his perseverance." 

A little boy was anxious to see a convict. His father grat- 
ified the curious request. As he looked wonderingly ujoon 
the poor wretch in irons, his father said : " Harry, what do 
you think of him?" He replied: "Papa, he looks like a 
man." 

Frank and Jesse James were men. They were bad men 
because they were capable of being very good men. As it took 
an archangel to make a devil; Lucifer, Son of the Morning, to 
make Satan, the father of lies; as it took a dutiful Nero to 
make the monster who fiddled while Rome was in flames, so 
it required men of the education, the courage and the noble 
qualities of these unfortunate brothers, to be the leaders of 
this terrible gang of desperadoes. 

Yes, they were men; men with fears and hopes, and loves 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 259 

and hates; men who could think and reason and feel as we; 
with the same passions and desires. 

We are not to be thunderstruck as we learn that they fell 
in love. Why should they not? He is a very small man 
indeed whom some woman cannot or does not love. Women 
have given their hearts to, and their lives for, men as bad as 
these. It may have been very foolish; they may have re- 
pented of it, but such is the case. Such men can love. 
Women are found who love them. Many are redeemed from 
evil courses by a woman's devoted love. 

"Oh, the love of woman — the love of woman! How high 
will it not rise, and to what lowly depths will it not stoop! 
How many injuries will it not forgive! What obstacle will it 
not overcome, and what sacrifice will it not make, rather than 
give up the being upon which it has been once wholly and 
truthfully fixed! Perennial of life which grows up under 
every climate, how small would the sum of man's happiness 
be without thee! No coldness, no neglect, no harshness, no 
cruelty, can extinguish thee! Like the fabled lamp in the 
sepulcher, thou sheddest thy pure light in the human heart, 
when everything around thee is dead forever ! " 

The outlaw, the highwayman courting, seems impossible. 
Why should it be so? We are not astonished when we read 
of the physician who has used his license to administer pois- 
onous drugs a la discretione^ for the purpose of poisoning 
some one from whose death he expects some pecuniary profit ; 
we are not very much astonished when we learn of the gen- 
tlemanly bank director swindling widows and orphans; when 
we learn of the pious defaulter who has defrauded some char- 



26o OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

itable or religious institution. Nay, we are not surprised to 
learn tliat tliese had wooed and wed; that they had luxurious 
homes and bright and beautiful children. Indeed, some of 
these men so sin in consequence of an excessive love to wife and 
family ; therefore it ought not to create surprise that the bold 
bandit of the prairies should indulge in the same pleasures and 
find an object for the wealth of his affection. 

Jesse courted his cousin, a young lady, quite handsome, 
well educated, of a gentle disposition. He thought her an 
angel. vShe is an orphan. Her uncle is a clergyman. They 
reside in Kansas City. Jesse and Zee were boy and girl 
together; attended the same Sunday school, day school, and 
singing school. They grew up together till the war, when, 
as in so many other cases, they were separated. He became a 
brave and daring soldier, and she worshiped his deeds; he 
became a reckless outlaw, and she would not believe it. Af- 
ter the war they frequently met, and she had nothing but 
words of admiration and affection for Jesse, who, with all his 
sin, was always tenderly kind to her. 

"To his eye 
There was but one beloved face on earth, 
And that was shining on him ; he had looked 
Upon it till it could not pass away ; 
He had no breath, no being, but in hers; 
She was his voice ; he did not speak to her 
But trembled on her words ; she was his sight, 
For his eye followed hers, and saw with hers. 
Which colored all his objects; — he had ceased 
To live within himself; she was his life, 
The ocean to the river of his thoughts, 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER 261 

Which terminated all ; upon a tone, 

A touch of hers, his blood would ebb and flow, 

And his cheek change tempestuously." 

The courting went on like Othello's and Desdemona's. 
She loved him for the dangers he had passed. And he loved 
her that she did pity them. 

Frequently he visited Kansas City, and braved the police 
and others who were lying in wait for him. At one time, 
while visiting the home of his betrothed, five officers headed 
by the sheriff, came there to arrest him. Always on the 
alert for danger, he discovered them in time, and concealed 
himself under a bush beside the doorstep, where he lay during 
the search, with a pistol in each hand, cocked and ready for 
service. The men searched the premises industriously; one 
came and stood on the step just over Jesse's head, but went 
away without seeing him. If he had seen Jesse then he 
probably would not have gone away, for Jesse has since said 
that he could have killed every man in the party, but 
abstained from doing so because he feared that Zee might 
get hurt in the melee. 

In 1874 Jesse James and Miss Zee Mimms were married 
at the home of a mutual friend. Dr. Den ham of Kearney, 
Clay county, Missouri, by the Rev. William James, of the 
M. E. Church South. This gentleman was Jesse's uncle and 
a relative of the bride. The party was select. Jesse had 
won a wife, and she had become an outlaw's bride. 

Their wedding tour was a flight across the country to 
Texas. There were no orange blossoms nor white gloves, 
nor any other livery of bride and groom worn on that jour- 



363 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

ney; no sweet girl friends accompanied the young wife on 
her lonely way; no merry jests nor joyous laughter cheered 
that nuptial tour. The happiness of the poor bride was held 
in constant check by fear and watchfulness ; the ceaseless vigil 
of the refugee restrained the joy which should have filled the 
breast of her outlaw husband. Poor girl! She had left a 
quiet home and loving friends for a place beside her hunted 
lover; before her was anxiety and dread, a wandering life, 
perhaps privation — certainly dishonor. How much her love 
and fidelity were to cost her she had not guessed — or she was 
very brave — but if she ever regretted the choice she made; if 
there ever were moments in her life when she contrasted her 
lot with the freedom and happiness of her girlhood, and 
shuddered; if the man who so remorselessly murdered his 
enemies was ever cruel to her, she bore it heroically, and 
locked the secret in her breast forever. 

In Mexico they remained nearly two years. A little child 
as innocent and sweet as ours, came to bless them. Jesse was 
often seen with it on his shoulders, capering across his ranche, 
while Zee stood watching the child and its father with all the 
tenderness and joy of a woman's love, and Jesse acting, if not 
repeating, the immortal words of Shakespeare: 

"The mistress whom I serve quickens what's dead, 
And makes my labors pleasures." 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

FRANK'S FOND LOVE. 
For me, I'm woman's slave confest, 
Without her, hopeless and unblest; 
And so are all, gainsay who can, 
For what would be the life of man, 
If left in desert or in isle, 
Unlighted up by beauty's smile? 
E'en tho' he boast of monarch's name. 
And o'er his own sex reign supreme. 
With thousands bending to his sway, 
If lovely Avoman were away, 
What were his life, what could it be? 
A vapor, but a shoreless sea; 
A troubled cloud in darkness tossed. 
Among the waste of waters lost; 
A ship deserted in the gale. 
Without a steersman or a sail, 
A star, a beacon light before, 
Or hope of heaven evermore ; 
A thing without a human tie, 
Unloved to live— unwept to die. 
Then let us own through nature's reign, 
Woman the light of her domain; 
And if no maiden love not given, 
The dearest bliss below the heaven, 
At least due homage let us pay, 
In reverence of a parent's s\^ay. 
To that dear sex whose favor still, 
Our guerdon is in good or ill. 
A motive that can never cloy— 
263 



3^4 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

Our glory, honor and our joy ; 
And humbly on our bended knee 
Acknowledge her supremacy. 

Frank was a different man from Jesse. The latter was 
born to lead, to inspire, to do things quickly, with a dash. 
The former was quieter, more thoughtful, slower in his mental 
movements, very stubborn, and once roused to action or pur- 
suit, a formidable foe. For a friend, give me Frank, but as a 
foe my selection (if I must have any) is Jesse. Jesse and I 
may become friends, but if Frank is against me, we are ene- 
mies forever, for he is a stubborn, implacable man. Both 
were marvelously endowed, and, but for the perversion of their 
gifts, might have been as great in virtue as they were in vice. 

In consequence of this difference in mind and tempera- 
ment, Frank was the better character of the two. Though 
both had the same educational advantages, and although Jesse 
committed his tasks with the greater ease, and rendered his 
recitations with more facility, yet the slow accretions of 
Frank,which appeared commonplace, at last exceeded the stock 
of knowledge acquired by his brother. Notwithstanding he 
was an outlaw, and one of the most hated of men, yet he 
was a remarkably good scholar — a proof that education is 
limited in its influence on the character. 

He (Frank James) left his Csssar and Virgil and thePh^edo, 
his Telimache, etc., for a place in Quantrell's bloody band, 
which was described by Col. W. C. Moberly, as follows: 

THE QUANTRELL GANG THE BRUTALITY OF THE OUT- 
LAWS WHICH NUMBERED JESSE JAMES AMONG ITS 
MEMBERS. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 265 

" I want to say to you that Governor Crittenden did ex- 
actly right when he had Jesse James killed," said Colonel 
W. C. Moberly, " and he deserves the thanks of every law- 
abiding citizen in Missouri. I am not a Democrat, and 
would not vote for Governor Crittendon, but I'll stand by 
him in this matter every time. There are few men ni the 
State who know more about bushwhacking than I do, and I 
am in favor of clearing out such infernal devils as the Jameses 
without mercy." 

Colonel Moberly, who is now practicing law in St. Louis, 
was during the war lieutenant-colonel of the First Missouri 
militia, and afterward first lieutenant-colonel of the Thirty- 
fifth regiment, with headquarters at Brunswick. He organ- 
ized the first regiment of militia enrolled in the State, and 
claims that he is entitled to the $25,000 offered for such ser- 
vice at that time. The city of Moberly, Missouri, is named 
after him, and he was president of the North Missouri Rail- 
road and the president of the Missouri Valley Railroad. 

" You are rather severe on the James Brothers," suggested 
the reporter. 

" Yes," said Colonel Moberly, " but not too severe, and 
I'll tell you why. For four years I fought against those in- 
fernal devils, the Jameses, Bill Anderson, Todd and Quantrell, 
and I am satisfied from my observations that any mercy 
shown to them is wasted. I will tell you one or two anec- 
dotes which will illustrate the brutal, devilish character of the 
gang of which the James Boys were prominent members. 
One Sunday night, in 1863, twelve pickets brought to my 
office at Brunswick two women who told a most pitiiul tale. 



266 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

One of them said that she wanted me to send men to Carroll 
county to catch Qiiantrell and his men. She said that a 
company of ^Deaceable armed citizens had gathered there, 
and Quantrell and his gang had fired upon them, killing 
twelve of them. Her husband ran home as fast as he could, 
and was followed by the bushwhackers, who caught him and 
slowly tortured him to death. First, they cut off his hands 
at the wrists, then his nose, and finally his head. I said it 
was no use to send out any m^ore men then, as the scoundrels 
were probably in some other county by that time; but I sent 
out forty men, and when they came back they fully corrob- 
orated what the woman had told me, and more too. She had 
told me only a part of the story, for these outlaws, one of 
whom was Jesse James, had mutilated her husband's body 
in the most sickening manner, just out of pure devilishness. 
After this the gang went to a German settlement, where four 
aged Germans and their women had been left at home to take 
care of the family. These devils appeared in Federal uni- 
form, said that they were Federal soldiers, and wanted some- 
thing to eat. They talked Union, and were treated kindly. 
There were twelve or fifteen of them, and the old men fed 
them and their horses, and gave" them the most hospitable 
treatment. When they had all they wanted to eat and drink 
they made the old man saddle their horses out in the stable 
lot, and jumping into their saddles, turned and shot down the 
inoflfensive old man in cold blood. They then warned the 
women that if they stirred out of the house that day they 
would be shot, too. This was in Chariton county, and Jesse 
James was one of the gang who committed this outrage." 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER 267 

" But don't you think that Jesse James could have been 
captured alive by a large force of men?" 

" No, sir. He would have killed a dozen, at least, and 
then perhaps have made his escape after all. I had the pleas- 
ure of killing some of Quantrell's men, and they were liter- 
ally girdled with revolvers. Quantrell used to sit on his horse 
with his reins in his teeth and fire with both hands. These 
are facts that I have told you, but I could not repeat them at 
the time, for I was surrounded by these men for three years. 
Bill Anderson once sent word to Huntsville that he was com- 
ing there to take the town at a certain time, but the people 
didn't believe it. They didn't suppose he would attempt it, 
but at the appointed time he rode into town, robbed the bank, 
murdered the people on every hand, and made his escape. In 
Moberly once I received a note saying that he would be there 
the next day to take the town, and I knew he would keep his 
word unless I could prevent it. So I started off with five 
hundred men that night, waylaid him as he was coming to 
the city, and killed several of his men. He did not visit 
Moberly, but he would have done it if I hadn't waylaid him. 
Now, sir, Gov. Crittenden was right, and every man m the 
State ought to stand by him in this matter." 

It seems surpassingly strange that a youth with scholarly 
tastes and habits should become, if not the leading spirit, cer- 
tainly one of the controlling spirits of such a gang as that. 
Of what use were his accomplishments? How fearfully they 
were abused! 

His personal appearance is handsome, well and com- 
pactly built, with regular features. He speaks Spanish, 



268 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

French and German in a low, musical voice. He is very 
clean in his habits, and dresses neatly and quietly. In the 
interims of business.^ he visits the world at Saratoga, Newport 
and Long Branch, and passes for a gentleman. Seeing soci- 
ety is o«e of his pleasures, and being so handsome and accom- 
plished, it would be passing strange if he had 
" Never been smitten, 
Or had the mitten." 

The truth is, Frank has been unfortunate In his love 
affairs. When almost a boy, certainly In the early part of his 
career, he was nearly ensnared In the meshes of the silver net 
which a Kentucky maiden had spread for him. She, — sweet, 
pure soul — made him her hero, and sighed and pined to 
share his adventures. 

Just at that time, however, a cruel fate Interposed between 
them. Frank had been too venturesome, and he discovered 
that means were being employed to capture him. He there- 
fore sang " Good-bye, Sweetheart, Good-bye," and escaped 
for his life, to the tune of" The Girl I left Behind Me." He 
did not regard It as j^i'udent to return for two years; when 
he did so, it was to discover that his beloved had not only 
charms to soothe the savage breast, but to attract another 
suitor to her side. She was so affluent in her affection that 
she had some to give to another, and to the gift of her affec- 
tions she had added her fickle and faithless self. 

In the meanwhile, Frank had not been Idle. He believed, 

with Robert de Browne, that 

" Nothing is to man so dear 

As woman's love in good manner. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. z6^ 

A good woman is man's bliss 

Where her love right and steadfast is. 

There is no solace under heaven, 

Of all that a man may never 

That should a man so much glean 

As a good woman that loveth true. 

No dearer is God's hurd, 

Than a chaste woman, with lovely word." 

Thinking of women as other men do; needing their com- 
panionship as do others; seeking their elevating and refining 
influence as do the majority, we are not surprised that those 
who were best acquainted with this handsome and accom- 
plished outlaw's private affairs, should assure us that he was 
in love with an heiress in New York, and that she was in 
love with him. She was beautiful, accomplished and wealthy. 
How they became acquainted we do not know; but the 
acquaintance grew into companionship, and then ripened into 
affection. They spent their mornings riding through the 
parks; in the twilight he rowed her on the murmuring 
waters. The silvery moon often gilded the lovers locked in 
the most affectionate embraces, and but for circumstances 
which she could not control, and which summoned her 
abruptly from the side of the incog", raider, she might have 
suffered all the miseries that fall to the lot of an outlaw's 
wife. No doubt she has thanked the kind and loving Provi- 
dence which at that time appeared so cruel. 

Years passed by, and as Frank had been thwarted in his 
blissful dream, he grew sullen and obstinate, until the dying 
affection of his soul awoke into greater power than ever 
before. Deeply in love, he was silent in love. For years 



270 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



the fair, sweet face of Annie Ralston held him enthralled. 
She was petite^ her eyes deep azure, she had glossy brown 
hair, long silken eyelashes, Grecian nose, low, broad forehead, 
and lips that the gods themselves might kiss. This little 
woman unconsciously imprinted Frank James' heart with 
the image of her bonny self, and he had similarly affected 
her. Woman's devotion and sacrifice is great, but perhaps 
the devotion of Annie Ralston to Frank James will bear 
comparison with many instances that have been decorated 
with the flowers of literature. 




CHAPTER XL. 

FRANK AND ANNIE. 

*' Ah, I remember well — and how can I 

But evermore remember well — when first 

Our flame began, when scarce we knew what was 

The flame we felt; when as we sat and sighed, 

And looked upon each otlier, and conceived 

Not what we ailed, jet something did we ail, 

And jet were well, and jet we were not well; 

And what was our disease we could not tell, — 

Then would we kiss, then sigh, then look and thus, 

In that first garden of our simpleness. 

We spent our childhood. But when jears began 

To reap the fruit of knowledge — ah, how then 

Would she, with sterner look, with graver brow. 

Check mj presumption and mj forwardness ! 

Yet still would give me flowers, still would she show 

What she would have me, jet not have me know." — Daniel. 

If we have been curious concerning these men wliose 

lives are before us, we become more so concerning the women 

who became their wives. We too often think that only 

fallen women marry fallen men. With the James Boys, this 

was not the case. The girls they married were as virtuous 

and faithful as any who may read these lines. They deserved 

a better fate; but such is the wealth of a woman's affection, 

that she frequently sacrifices herself to very unworthy objects. 

But where she loves, she does so with the whole heart, and 

271 



\']2 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



though the object be the scorn of mankind, yet she will cling 
to him, and for his sake bear reproach, contumely and scorn. 

" He little knows 
A woman's heart, who, when the cold wind blows, 
Deems it will change. No, storms may rise, 
And grief may dim, and sorrow cloud her skies, 
And hopeless hours, and sunless days come on, 
And years, where all that spoke of bliss is gone. 
And dark despair the gloomj future fill — 
But, loving once, she loves through good and ill." 

In Independence, Missouri, are many old inhabitants who 
knew beautiful Annie Ralston and her father. He was a" 
gentleman of the Southern type — wealthy, cultivated, aristo- 
cratic and refined. To his hospitality there were no bounds. 
Strangers, friends and acquaintances received a cordial wel- 
come to his hospitable mansion. Annie was the pride of her 
father's heart, his pet and his companion. Had we seen this 
pretty motherless girl on her father's knee, entwining her 
arms around his neck, and laying her tired head upon his 
shoulder and there falling asleep ; had we seen her festooning 
his head with vines and flowers; had we seen them at play, 
he becoming a child for her, and she a woman for him, we 
would not then have prophesied that the aristocratic papa 
would be changed for the Barrabas of the prairie, the luxu- 
rious home for the mountain hut, and the elegant company 
of Southern ladies and gentlemen for the oaths, lewd stories 
and rough life of an outlaw's wife. Such a change did occur. 

The war came on. The booming of the artillery became 
familiar to her ear; the sight of death and blood grew famil- 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 273 

iar to her eyes; to stories of cruelty, sin and wrong, her 
mind became accustomed. A change occurred in her iiome; 
the father's fortunes suffered. To sustain himself, Mr. 
Ralston took to drink ; his " property " was taken from him, 
and Annie with her Southern training, hated the North, and 
felt herself a wronged woman. 

We may therefore easily understand how she would 
appreciate the deeds of the James Boys, who preyed upon 
that society which she felt had robbed her of her home and 
fortune. With her father, she was deeply attached to the 
Southern cause. 

But we anticipate. At the dawn of womanhood, Annie 
became a student in the female college of her native town. 
Being liberally endowed with intellectual gifts, she soon led 
her classes with ease to herself, and pride to her teachers. 
At Commencement the highest honors were awarded her. 
She was an accomplished musical genius, sang delightfully, 
and performed upon the harp as well as upon the other instru- 
ments usually taught to young ladies. 

After she left school it is evident that she became her 
father's housekeeper. As by this time his unfortunate habit 
had grown upon him, as they had descended from affluence 
and wealth to comparatively meager circumstances, the lot of 
Annie was peculiarly trying. 

About this time it was noticed that two young gentlemen, 
strangers in the city, were frequent callers at the homeof 
Annie. It became known that they were Frank and Jesse 
James. Then the neighbors whispered that Annie was the 
attraction. Soon it became the talk of the town. Matrons 
18 



274 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



who had daughters to dispose of snubbed her, her compan- 
ions cut her, her star faded, and Annie was excluded from 
society. It was known that she loved Frank James. He 
was her idol. She loved him for his personal qualities, which 
as we have seen, were really excellent, and then she sympa- 
thized with him, for was not he a rebel against those powers 
that had robbed her of her fortune ? It is said that his con- 
duct to her was most respectful and reverent, and hers to him 
most devoted and affectionate. It was a love match, and no 
mistake. 

On a beautiful bright day in 1875, some acquaintances 
saw her at the Union depot, Kansas City. After exchanging 
civilities, they parted. In a short time her lover joined her, 
and when the evening began to hang the curtain of the night, 
pretty Annie Ralston and her lover stood before a clergyman 
in a distant city, and were made husband and wife. 

There seems to have been no effort on her part to redeem 
her husband from his perilous life; on the contrary, she 
seemed to have indorsed it. It is but just to say that this is 
very unusual. When a woman marries a criminal, a sot, a 
libertine, it is with a deliberate purpose that she will save 
him. In most cases they are most decidedly mistaken, and 
find it out when it is too late. Here are some simple verses 
which, if read aright, may be a timely hint to our fair 
readers : 

" Oh, woman, you're sold at a fearful price, 
If you wed your virtue to a chance device, 
And trust your soul to that of vice ; 
Don't marry a man to save him. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 275 

*' A life that is pure needs one pure in turn, 
A being to honor, and not to spurn, 
An equal love that shall constant burn; 
Don't marry a man to save him. 



" A woman's life is a precious thing, 
Her love is a rose unwithering ; 
Would you bury it deep in its early spring? 
Don't marry a man to save him. 

'■' You can pray for his soul from morn till eve, 
You can win the angels to bring reprieve 
To his sin-bound heart, but you'll always grieve, 
Don't marry a man to save him. 

" God gives woman a right to press 
Her claim on man's best manliness. 
A woman gives all; should a man give less.? 
Don't marry a inan to save him." 

The sequel proves that however much affection these 
misguided w^omen had for these wicked though able men, 
the life they led, though that of personal kindness from their 
husbands, was of the supremest misery. When their hus- 
bands were from home, they were filled with fear for their 
safety; and when at home, full of apprehension lest they 
should be discovered. Outlawed, hunted and hated with 
their husbands, their lives were anything but happy, and in 
no degree what they had anticipated. Why should a woman 
take to herself a name that is a perpetual reproach, and trans- 
mit the dishonor to her children .f* 



276 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



" Alas! the love of woman! 

It is known to be 

A lovely and a fearful thing." 



Such was Annie Ralston's. 




CHAPTER XLI. 

THE ROCKY CUT TRAIN ROBBERY A BOLD STROKE 

ARREST AND CONFESSION OF ONE OF THE ROBBERS. 

After the $10,000 haul at Huntington and the disasters 
which followed, matters were quiet until the following July. 
The amount in their possession was not easily expended and 
there was consequently no urgent need on their .part to set 
the country aflame with the horror of one of their desperate 
adventures. Meanwhile, their company drew to itself some 
familiar spirits. It now numbered twelve persons: Frank 
and Jesse James, the Younger Brothers, Clell Miller, Bill 
Chadwell, Cal. Carter, Charles Pitts, Sam Bass, Bill Long- 
ley, and Hobbs Kerry — almost a small army. This necessi- 
tated bolder efforts, for when $10,000 was portioned among 
twelve, it would scarcely go as far as when divided between 
three or four. 

Although they were quiet, yet they were not asleep. As 
a cloud gathers all its strength for the storm ; as there is a 
sensible lull before the tempest begins its furious work ; so these 
men were renewing their strength, and were silently laying 
a plan which, if carried out, would at once enrich them and 
terrify society. 

It may not be generally known, but we have discovered 
a fact which will not be disputed, that these outlaws " study 
up" their cases. No lawyer goes into court better prepared 

277 



27S OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

than a burglar does into a house. No preacher enters a pul- 
pit with a clearer design and aim, than the professional rob- 
ber into a bank. If your house is to be robbed, the thieves 
who will make night hideous, know every room and door; 
who sleeps in this and who in that. There is nothing left 
to chance. A plan is decided upon and carried out. 

This gang had decided to wreck an express train. The 
plan was prepared in the lead mining regions of Southwest 
Missouri. Not without some dispute in the camp, however. 
The idea was given by one of the James Brothers, and op- 
posed by the Younger Brothers; but the counsels of Frank 
and Jesse prevailed, and the company prepared for their 
journey and their work. 

The train to which they determined to devote their ener- 
gies, was the Eastern express, which crossed the Laramie River 
late in the evening, at a place called the Rocky Cut, a little 
east of Otterville, in Cooper county, Missouri. They dis- 
banded at the lead mines, to go in pairs to the place of meet- 
ing. At the hour appointed, they met on the evening of the 
8th of July. Within a short distance from the bridge, they 
found a dense copse where they left their horses in charge of 
Hobbs Kerry, a vile fellow who had any amount of wicked- 
ness, without a grain of courage. First, a fosse composed 
of Clell Miller, Charlie Pitts and Bob Younger, are de- 
tailed to take the watchman. They must get him away and 
get possession of his lantern. He, hearing footsteps, cried 
out with some astonishment, if not alarm : 

" Hello! who's there? What do you want here this time 
o' night ? " 



'outlaws of the border. 279 



Swinging his lantern into the faces of his visitors, he was 
surprised to find the muzzle of a loaded revolver close to his 
face. 

They took him and bound him, and securing his lantern, 
proceeded to march him off. " What are you going to do 
with me?" he cried. 

"You keep still," they commanded, with fearful oaths 
and threats. 

" But you ain't going to hurt me, are you? " 

" What do we want to hurt you for? We want the 
money on the train ; that is all we care for." 

Having carried him to a place of safety, and appointed 
one of their number to keep guard over him, the whole party 
proceeded leisurely to the bridge. 

It was about half-past ten o'clock. Rocks and trees and 
obstructions of all kinds were piled across the rails. Then 
they waited leisurely the coming of the train. Shortly a 
rumbling was heard like distant thunder. It gradually 
increased in volume. Faint streaks of red light came scintil- 
lating along the track; Charlie Pitts seized the lantern of the 
watchman, proceeded a short distance along the line, and sig- 
naled the train to stop. When it arrived at the Rocky Cut 
it did so. No experienced railroad man could have brought it 
to a standstill better than he at precisely the right spot. 

In a moment the train was boarded by twelve masked 
men, each one heavily armed with weapons most deadly. In 
a moment, without the slightest confusion or a word, the 
engineer and fireman were under the spell of the murderous 
weapons. To have moved an inch would have moved the 



28o OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 

deadly trigger. In a moment guards stood at the door of 
every compartment covering the passengers, and holding 
them in awe by their revolvers. In a moment the leader 
boarded the express car and overpow^ering the messenger, the 
safe was opened and seventeen thousand dollars besides jew- 
elry and other valuables, were put into a leather sack prepared 
for the purpose. Then a shrill whistle was heard. This was 
a preconcerted signal. At once every robber left the train, 
twelve men uttered the command to move forward, twenty- 
four revolvers gave empliasis to the words, and the freight of 
precious life moved sadly onward, to tell the tale of their 
danger and iDreservation, of the robbery and the manner \\i 
which it was done, to the civilized world. 

This whole transaction did not occupy an hour. If rob- 
bery were a fine art, this was artistically done. No noise and 
no blood, and no discovery. 

The robbers went for their steeds. Arranging the treas- 
ure among them so as to be best carried, before the first streak 
of rosy light dawned upon the scene of their crime they 
were at least twenty miles south of the spot. 

At the next depot the alarm was given. With the 
rapidity of lightning the wires told the story to every city in 
the Western States. As paterfomilias took his morning paper 
and his morning meal, he was startled with the heading: 

GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY IN MISSOURI — SEVENTEEN THOUSAND DOL- 
LARS STOLEN THE JAMES BROTHERS WITH THEIR GANG OF 

DESPERADOES DID THE BUSINESS — FURTHER PARTICULARS IN OUR 
NEXT ISSUE. 

Detectives were employed at St. Louis, Sedalia and Kansas 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 2S1 

City. Then those of Chicago and the Atlantic seaboard 
joined them. The railroads and express companies .offered 
large rewards for their capture. The government also took 
measures to arrest them. But these extraordinary efforts 
resulted only in tlie capture of the least imjoortant member 
of the gang, Hobbs Keiry. 

The money was divided and the men separated in pairs, 
each to hide himself or to disguise his identity as well as he 
could, so as to evade the strenuous united efforts of the 
government, railroad and express companies for their capture. 

It is well known that the boys read the newspapers con- 
stantly so that they might learn what the officers w^ere doing, 
whether any of the part}^ were taken, and to enjoy the fun of 
seeing their almost superhuman efforts made in the wrong 
direction. 

Only one thing troubled them — "the cub" as they called 
him — Hobbs Kerry. They knew little of him, and they now 
began to ask themselves why they had been such fools as to 
receive him. They thought him so much of a fool that he 
was likely to be taken, and that if taken they were certain he 
would " peach." So they determined " not to know the 
fellow." 

Their apprehensions were not altogether wrong. After 
separating from his companions, Kerry, finding himself in 
possession of more money than he had ever before in his life, 
determined upon playing the Prodigal Son. So he crosses 
the Grand River and goes to Fort Scott, Kansas. Here he 
arrays himself gorgeously. This done, he seeks the company 
of harlots, ^d indulges in riotous living. He found many 



282 OUTLAWS OP THE BORDER 

most willing to assist. He has a six weeks' debauch. Women, 
wine and whiskey are his particular vanities. In bagnios, 
gambling hells, dance houses, he spent his money. When 
wine went in, wit went out — the little he had. In his cups 
he spilled a little. A few words he dropped were picked up 
by one of the harlots who had fastened herself on him. She 
communicated her knowledge to a detective and sold from her 
embraces into the custody of a policeman, the j-joor fool from 
whom she had extracted a secret that would send him into 
the penitentiary. 

Seeing that he was captured, Kerry confessed everythmg, 
and more too. He made a virtue of it, and Invented crimes" 
for the sake of confessing them; thus by overdoing it the 
detectives could not tell what to believe, and therefore they 
could not work upon any of his statements. Inadvertently 
he saved the rest of his party, and they felt themselves free to 
make "other arrangements." 

In the record of these grim crimes, it would be strange If 
we did not find a little humor occasionally. We have Inti- 
mated that the passengers and trainmen were passive spectators 
of the robbery. This is so nearly true that it might pass, 
were it not for the gallant and amusing attempt of the news- 
boy. Johnny had a pistol of a cheap grade. Well, Johnny 
did not believe In lacing robbed, and he wanted to use his 
pistol. The weapon was not particularly dangerous, but 
Johnny believed it lo be formidable. So he took a position 
at a window and when the robbers jumped from the platform 
to the track, Johnny opened fire. First shot hit nothing. 
When the robbers saw who was firing they good-naturedly 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 283 

lausrhed and told him to try aG^ain. So he took them at then* 
word, and as the train began to move, Johnny blazed away, 
and to this day he believes that he killed at least half a dozen 
of the gang-. In this he may be mistaken. If so, we are 
sorry. If all of the car had had Johnny's spirit there would 
have been bloodshed, but it would have taught the masked 
desperadoes that their business was one which men would 
resist, though the resistance cost life itself 

Up to this time people believed that there were two gangs 
of robbers, the James' gang driven to it by the government, 
and another gang wanton and wicked, who committed the 
grossest crimes and then laid the chara;-es to the account of the 
former. This affair convinced the public that the two gangs 
were one, though sometimes working in halves. From this 
dav they lost much of that sympathy behind which they had 
indulged in their unlawful outrages. 




CHAPTER XLII. 

The States In which these robbers had hitherto operated 
were Southern Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Ken- 
tucky, Virginia, etc. Two reasons may be adduced for this 
hmitation. First, they were well acquainted with the face of 
the country, and therefore knew where to hide, whither to 
flee, and who were friends and who were foes. They also 

knew the times and seasons that were propitious, or other- 
wise, for them. Second, they preyed upon society, ostensibly 
takmg revenge for the attitude of the government toward the 
Southern cause. This gave them a wide tolerance, even if it 
did not create the deepest sympathy. 

The time at last came when these reasons were no longer 
good. The people began to discover their places of retreat, 
and their professions of hostility to the government would 
no longer cover up their crime. The people began to see 
through it. The enormous outrages which they had com- 
mitted had multiplied too rapidly. Within a very few years 
they, commencing at Russell ville, Kentucky, had robbed 
banks at Gallatin and Corydon, Iowa, Columbus, Kentucky, 
St. Genevieve, Missouri, Huntington, West Virginia, and a 
number of the gang had done the same for a bank at Cor- 
inth, Mississippi. They had also wrecked trains, in some in- 
stances taking life, in Kansas, Wyoming, Iowa, Missouri. 
They had stopped stage coaches, and stolen the proceeds of 

2S4 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 285 

and disperse, and no one know of it. How it was done we 
cannot tell, but it was. They knew exactly the location of 
every member of the gang. Their plans were so perfect 
that they could easily throw the detectives off the track, and 
send them five hundred miles out of the way, especially when 
they wanted to commit a robbery or murder in another sec- 
tion. It is an old saying that there is no mischief but that 
you can find a woman at the bottom of it. The woman in 
this case was their mother, Mrs. Zerelda Samuels. To her 
sons she was as true as steel. When the book shall be 
opened and the secrets of all hearts revealed, dark, terrible 
and mysterious deeds will be found in that guilty soul. 
There is plenty of evidence to sustain the assertion that this 
woman was the means of comnmnicating with the whole 
party. 

With her assistance the gang is brought together. In the 
vicinity of her house the men met and deliberated. She was 
admitted to their councils, and nothing was done without her 
approval. Into this council a noted Minnesota outlaw and 
horse thief. Bill Chadwell, was introduced. 

Now imagine these Ishmaelites in the dense forest discuss- 
ing their condition, the feeling that is growing against them, 
and the necessity for doing something more in order to live. 
Among them stands the mother. She urges her sons onward 
that she might wreak her vengeance upon the detectives who 
had robbed her of an arm and a child. Hear her repeat 
what she has often said before: 

" I hate all detectives as I hate the devil, and if I were you 
and had my way, I would send them all to hell before sunset." 



286 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

This was the spirit she breathed into that strange and vil- 
lainous group. Like the witches in Macbeth, she threw the 
curses into the boiling cauldron. But the detectives were 
getting too sharp for them, and therefore the consignment of 
them to warmer quarters was not practicable for the nonce. 

Bill Chadwell had been imported for a purpose. They 
had pretty well explored the Southern States. Policy sug- 
gested that they should try their skill further north. 

" Never stir an inch till you know the lay of the land, or 
you are a goner," was one of Jesse's judicious maxims. Con- 
sequently, wiih this. Bill conveyed to them " the lay of the 
land " in Minnesota. He told them of the length of the 
journey, the kind of people in the State, the names and num- 
ber of his '•'■friends^'' who would be silent partners in their 
crimes, the kind of business that would be inost profitable, 
and the signs that might be used and would be acknowledged 
throughout the State. 

After the submission of other plans, it was unanimously 
decided to visit Minnesota and plunder certain banks that 
should afterward be agreed upon, and then return and spend 
the winter in Texas and Mexico. 

Now the consultation is at an end. The gang disbands. 
For a few days there is the usual preparation. Purchases of 
ammunition, full equipments of revolvers and knives, are 
made. Horses and saddles are made ready. This done, they 
go in couples. Bill Chadwell and Charlie Pitts precede the 
rest to Mankato, Minnesota, where he has a " friend " there to 
make ready for the rest of them. The })ai ty left the mother's 
house about the middle of August, 1S76, Frank and Jesse 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 287 

took one route, Robert and James Younger proceeded by 
another, while Clell Miller and Cole Younger selected a path 
by themselves. Never was there a more desperate set of men, 
more formidable and conscienceless than these. Their names 
made the heart stand still. 

A gentleman, a Missourian, who pretended to know, de- 
clares that Cole Younger objected to the plan decided upon. 
His preference was Canada. He believed, and stated, and 
gave his reasons for believing, that the cities of the Dominion, 
Montreal, London, Toronto, and even Kingston, the city of 
the Ontario State Prison, could be worked more effectually. 
But he was overruled. It had been safer for them to follow 
his counsels. 

Their journey was uneventful to themselves and others. 
They drew to themselves no attention, und did nothing to 
produce notice or comment. On horseback by day they 
called like respectable men at respectable farm-houses for re- 
freshment; in the evenings they put up at hotels, registered 
under assumed names, and after spending the night as a gen- 
tleman should, paid their bills in the morning and proceeded 
without leaving the shadow of suspicion that they were men 
who would not scruple for a moment to take the life of any 
who would throw upon them the faintest taint of crime. 

About the first of September they reached Mankato. 
They met at the house of Bill Chadwell's friend. Here they 
held consultation as to which of the many banks of the State 
they had best rob. The three banks of Mankato seemed to 
have some claim to the distinction, but it was thought that 
three banks in a small town, while possibly good for the com- 



288 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

munity, because competition is the soul of business, yet might 
not be good for robbery, for none of them would hold stakes 
high enough for so dangerous a game. St. Peter was passed 
by because it was not a large place, and the community was 
not wealthy. St. Cloud was rejected for the same reason. 
The merits of many others were discussed, but all were dis- 
carded with the exception of Northfield, which was supposed 
to be rich in treasure, for reasons we will give in the following 
chapter. 




CHAPTER XLIII. 

THE TRAGEDY AT NORTHFIELD. 

Northfield is a charming town in Rice county, Minnesota 
It is most pleasantly situated on the Cannon River. About 
two thousand men, women and children live in it. The 
countrv surrounding is exceedingly fertile, and the people of 
the county supremely industrious. 

The inhabitants of the village are, m the best sense of the 
word, of the better class, mostly from New England. Hither 
they had come with New England notions and morals. They 
were not men to be trifled with, by any means. 

In the villaofe stands " Carleton Colleo^e " and the Willis 
Hall fur ladies. This college and the hall were respectively 
endowed by Mr. Carleton, of Boston and Charlestown, Massa- 
chusetts, and Miss Willis, of Boston, afterward Mrs. Carle- 
ton, Mr. Carleton sending $50,000 in cash to Northfield, and 
Miss Willis $10,000, foi the erection of the buildings that 
bear their names. It was supposed that at this time much of 
this money was lying in the vaults of the bank. 

At this season of the year the farmers were disposing of 
their grain and depositing the proceeds in the bank. This, 
with the college funds, led the bandits to believe that the haul 
would be exceedingly large. It may be as well for us to note 
the appearances in their favor. 

I. The amount in the bank. 



290 OUTLAUS OF THE BORDER, 

2. Northfield is a college town, and therefore peopled 
with those least likely to defend themselves with murderous 
weapons. 

3. It is surrounded by a very moral and industrious class, 
to whom such a desperate attempt would be almost, if not 
quite, unbelievable. They would be nonplussed. 

And now let us note the facts against them. 

1. They were people of principle, and preferred to die 
in the line of duty rather than to desert their post. 

2. They had something to defend — their college and its 
future, and their churches and homes. 

3. Because of their principles they determined to rid their 
county and State of such desperadoes. 

These three facts the gang did not take into account. 
They had for many years caused men to surrender by a word 
of command. The enervated Southerners was their concep- 
tion of all men when they came to deal with these North- 
fieldians; men who had been cradled on the Eastern coast, 
made strong in principle and courage by the training of New 
England, tough as steel by the Minnesota air, to whom home 
and church and school were the synonyms of all that was 
most precious in life; they found that they were coping w^ith 
material in the form of men to which they had been strangers 
all their lives. But we anticipate. To this town the robbers 
came. 

The bank stands on the corner of the chief block of the 
beautifully built town; the business men are at dinner. On 
the other side of the river three other men also are at dinner. 
The Northfieldians are talking of their college and crops; 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 291 

these three men are talking of the fall elections. Little did 
the Northfieldians think that before another day one of their 
most respected citizens would be at home a murdered corpse, 
and as little did either of these three think that their party 
(of which they were but a part) were meeting for the last 
time on earth, and with j^robabilities equally slim for ever 
meeting in heaven. 

When the three had eaten dinner at Dundas they paid 
their bills — they were none other than Robert and James 
Younger and T3ill Chad well — and set out toward Northfield. 
At the same time coming from the north were Clell Miller 
and Charlie Pitts, and from another side three strangers qui- 
etly entered and made their way to the bank, tied their horses 
outside, and v/hen they heard the charging of horses' hoofs 
and reports of revolvers, and oaths and curses, they entered 
the building. In a moment it was surrounded by other mem- 
bers of the gang, who threatened the citizens with instant 
death if any of them interfered, and gave emphasis to their 
threats by the utterance of fearful oaths, and pointing with 
unerring aim the most cruel looking shooting irons that had 
ever been seen in that country, at the heads and hearts of the 
peaceable inhabitants. 

" From without they guard the murderous work within." 

Let us enter and see what is going on. The three brig- 
ands jumped over the counter, and seizing Mr. J. L. Hay- 
wood, the cashier, demanded that he open the safe at once. 

" I will not!">he replied. 

Frank drevs^ a fearful looking knife and held it to his 



292 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER 

throat, demanding a second time that he open the safe. 
" I will not!" replied the brave and trustful man. 

" Quick, now," cried Jesse, " or you die like a dog." 

" I can't help that," said Mr. Haywood, " I will do my 
duty, though I die." 

" Then die, d — n you," said Jesse, and in less than a second 
the revolver that was held to his right temple discharged its 
deadly bullet through the brain of the brave cashier, and he 
fell dead at the assassins' feet. 

Foiled by the cashier, they tried their energies upon Mr. 
A. E. Bunker, assistant cashier, and the clerk, Mr. F. Wilcox. 

" Hold up your hands." 

They obeyed. 

" Open the vault!" was the command given to Mr. Bunker. 

" I do not know the combination." 

They thrust a pistol into his face and told him he lied, and 
threatened him with a fate like poor Haywood's ; but something 
in his manner convinced them that he uttered the truth. In- 
advertently turning from him to seek the money drawers of 
the cashier, he made a bolt for the door and escaped; as he did 
so receiving a bullet in his shoulder from one of the robbers. 
They scattered the nickels which they found all over the floor 
and paid no regard whatever to the poor clerk Wilcox, who 
came as near being frightened out of his senses as most men 
do in a lifetime. 

Disappointed within, their attention was roused from their 
failure to some proceedings quite unusual and exciting without. 
Something new and peculiar in their history was happening. 
It was in this wise* 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER ^93 

A young Dr. Wheeler, as brave a boy as ever trod shoe 
leather, seeing w^hat it all meant, and being commanded to 
make himself scarce or he might be hurt, took the hint and 
being a participant in that quality of bravery that is never rash 
and always effective, went to his room on the second floor 
opposite, where he kept an old carbine, which had done good 
service in killing other objects. Being as good a shot as the 
robbers, and as cool and steady in nerve as a man could be, he 
gently opened his windows and took deliberate aim at the 
heart of Clell Miller. In a moment that curse of Texas 
threw up his arms and with one wild yell, cried : 

"My God! Boys, I'm done for"; fell on his horse's neck 
dead. 

As another barrel was loaded and the Doctor successful 
in his operation, he aimed again, and this time Bill Chadwell 
received the bullet in a vital part. He fell from his horse and 
groaned out: 

"Take my revolvers, and don't give in," and died as 
he had lived, the greatest desperado and horse thief that had 
been raised in Minnesota. 

Others of the brave Northfieldians joined the melee. 

Just then a Mr. J. S. Allen, one of the prominent citizens, 
came into the vicinity of the bank not knowing what had 
occurred. He was soon met with the threat: 

"D — n you, turn back. I'll blow your brains out if you 
squeal." 

The situation was fearful for both parties; the robbers had 
not succeeded in getting anything, but instead they had com- 
mitted a fearful murder, and two of their fellows were lying dead 



§94 OtITLAWS Op THE BORDER. 

in the street. Dr. Wheeler had just prepared his carbine for 
further use. A Mr. Manninor was determined on wounding: 
or killing another; the peaceable citizens were roused, and as 
one expressed it: 

" It was as if hell was let loose, and men of ordinary quiet 
character sprung into demons in an hour." 

Frank, Jesse, and Cole Younger took iu the state of affairs 
at once, and leaping to their horses, fled from the terrible scene 
of crime, blood and failure. During the melee, Jim Younger 
received a severe wound in the shoulder, and lost his horse. 
Not noticing this the others started off, leaving him alone in 
the street, when he called out: 

"My God! boys, you don't mean to leave me. I'm shot!" 

At this Cole dashed back through a shower of lead, 
caught the wounded man up and joining the others rode 
hastily away. But not a moment too soon. Already fifty 
or more citizens had simultaneously equipped themselves and 
come to the rescue. When they found the robbers had fled, 
they followed in hot haste, breathing righteous vengeance 
upon the miscreants. At their head rode the valiant Wheeler. 




CHAPTER XLIV* 

THE ESCAPE FROM NORTHFIELD. 

The flight from Northfield for a while was very rapid. 
The horses used by the bandits were always the fleetest and 
best the}^ could obtain, and this time they needed all the advan- 
tage of superior mounting and riding to escape the vengeance 
they had raised behind them. Their hold attempt to rob a 
bank under the very eyes of Northfield's citizens, and unpro- 
voked murder of Haywood, a gentleman respected and 
esteemed by the entire community, had aroused a spirit of 
revenge in the people there which seemed likely to end the 
sanguinary career of the outlaws. Within a few hours the 
whole country was acquainted with the affiiir, and hundreds 
of armed men were on the lookout for the fleeing robbers, 
while Dr. Wheeler, at the head of his party, was pressing 
steadily on their trail. These eflbrts were further stimulated 
by the proclamation of Gov. Pillsbury offering a reward of 
one thousand dollars for the capture of the entire band, which 
was subsequently increased to one thousand dollars for each 
member, or six thousand dollars for the entire band. The 
fugitives took a southwesterly direction. After getting out 
of the town they rode hard fqr about a mile to where a belt 
of woods concealed them, and then they drew rein for a few 
minutes to dress their wounds. Here it was discovered that 
every man in the party was hurt, some dangerously. A little 

895 



296 OUTLAWS OP TME nORDRn. 

further on they stopped aii^ain and bathed and handagcd their 
wounds at a little brook which crossed the road; a linen 
duster worn by one of the men was torn into strips and used 
for bandages. At a turn in the road near Dundas tliey met 
a farmer with a good team of horses. One of theirs w:is 
injured, and they proceeded to make a hasty trade with the 
man. They knocked him into a ditch, cut the team loose, 
and hurried on. Jim now had a horse and rode by himself, 
with Cole and Bob at his side for support. In this way they 
made better time than before. Two miles beyond Dundas 
they were compelled to stop again. Here Cole went to a 
house and got a pail which they afterward used to pour^ 
water on their wounds. 

Jim w^as now found to be in a terrible condition. The 
blood flowed copiously from a ghastly wound in his shoulder, 
and his strength was rapidly failing. At last it became nec- 
essary for some one to ride with him to keep him from frilling 
out of the saddle. Cole performed this duty, and in spite of 
that impediment they made surprising headway that day, 
reaching Shieldsville before dark. 

Shieldsville is a post village of less than two hundred 
inhabitants, located about twenty miles from Northfield, but 
the route taken by the bandits increased the distance to more 
than twenty-five miles. The one who was to guide them 
through that strange country could not lead them now. Bill 
Chadwell, who knew every foot of the ground they must 
traverse, and the only one of the party who was acquainted 
with the country, lay dead in the street at Northfield, so they 
journeyed on as best they could, guided solely by their pocket 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



297 



compasses, and unable through ignorance of their surround- 
ings to avoid dangerous places. As they rode through this 
little hamlet they shouted to the people to get into their 
houses and keep quiet, and emphasized their threats by firing 
off their pistols. This had the desired effect, and it was not 
long till there was not a 2:>crson in sight in the little village, 
and the desperadoes rode on unmolested. But their pursuers 
were rapidly closing around them. Sheriff Davis with a 
posse, was behind them ; Sheriff Estes and posse were before 
them, and officers and citizens hedged them on the right and 
left. From here they seemed to have traveled more slowly. 
Jim Younger's condition was hourly becoming more critical. 
He was unable to make his own waj- and too weak to endure 
the strain of rapid travel. Besides, the news of the outrage 
had brought hundreds to the search; the roads and fords 
were all guarded by armed citizens and they were now 
compelled to skulk across the country through woods and 
fields and unfrequented by-v/ays which, owing to their lim- 
ited knowledge of the country around them, made their 
progress painfully slow. 

On the night of the nth they were overtaken by a posse 
of fourteen men. In the fight which followed one of the 
robbers lost his horse, but was immediately taken up behind 
one of the others. The citizens were driven back, and the 
band made their escape. 

Their course now lay due west. At Lake Elysian they 
were driven out of a patch of timber, but again eluded their 
pursuers. Everywhere v/ere armed men; all the roads and 
crossing places, all the fords, were guarded by citizens who 



298 OarLAWS OF TH^ BORDER, 

had left their homes, their labor and their business to extei*- 
minate the outlaws, as men used to gather in the early settle- 
ments to exterminate wild beasts. 

In a deep forest, near Kilkenny, the bandits came to a halt 
and rested through the night. The next morning they 
resumed their perilous march westward in hope of reaching 
the border where human habitations were less numerous. 
Finally they were compelled to abandon their horses and 
make their way on foot, skulking through thickets and hiding 
in brush, while their hunters beat the woods around them, 
sometimes passing within pistol shot of them. All through 
that terrible march they were compelled to live on green corn 
and melon and such food as was easily picked up, seldom 
daring to cook anything for fear of drawing their enemies 
upon them by their fire. 

Once they came upon a young calf and shot it in the head, 
but it got away, and they dared not pursue it or shoot again. 
At another time they ventured to shoot a pig, but it too got 
away. Fate seemed to have marked them for capture or 
starvation. All this time the blood from Jim's wound was 
making a certain trail for their pursuers to follow. One night 
about midnight they reached Marysburg. Here they found a 
safe hiding place, built a fire and had their first meal of roasted 
potatoes and corn. In the morning, just as the village clock 
struck five, they stole away from the Marysburg camp con- 
siderably refreshed, and more hopeful of escape. 

From there they took a southwesterly course through Blue 
Earth county toward Mankato. All day they journeyed on 
with no knowledge of where their route would lead them 



OUTLAWS OP TH& BORDM, 



^9^ 



except that by continuing in that direction they would ulti- 
mately get out of Minnesota, the scene of their first defeat. 
Thus far they had eluded their pursuers, and it really began 
to look as if their indomitable courage and endurance would 
bear them through the danger. But the worst was yet 
to come. Late that evening they found a good hiding place 
in a thicket near a cornfield, and here they turned in for a 
good night's rest. They did not build a fire, but made their 
supper as usual, from green corn and some muskmelons, and 
then they very quietly retired. Several times that night they 
were awakened by persons passing near their hiding place. 
This proved to be because they had happened to camp near a 
path which ran through the cornfield to the main road. 

At last, when within a few miles of Mankato, they came 
upon a man named Dunning, who was out in search for them. 
They captured him, and true to the old rule, some one 
offered to put him where he could tell no tales. But they 
had killed one too many men now; the persistence of the 
pursuit for them was more the result of the unprovoked mur- 
der of Mr. Haywood than the attempted robbing, and realiz- 
ing this they hesitated to add another murder to their terrible 
record. 

Finally it was decided to tie him securely to a tree, where 
he could not be discovered till they had got away, but Dun- 
ning pleaded hard for his life, and implored them not to leave 
him bound in that lonely place, where he might not be found 
until after he had starved to death, so, probably with the hope 
of conciliating their pursuers should they ultimately fall into 
their hands j maybe from motives of humanity, as they claim, 



360 dVTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

they let him go. But if a sentiment of humanity prompted 
them in this, it is a little strange that some such impulse did 
not exhibit itself earlier, and prevent the murder of Haywood; 
while, if it was with a desire to conciliate the avengers of the 
law that they abstained from taking one more life, they ex- 
hibited a weakness and lack of acumen hard to account for 
in men of their experience. They were commencing to be 
kind too late in life to win much credit for deeds of mercy. 
However, they made Dunning swear by all the gods in Min- 
nesota that he would not mention having seen them. Of course 
Mr. Dunning was very glad to accept the terms proposed, 
and under the weight of a terrible oath he lit out gaily for 
the haunts of men, and soon his adventure with the boys in 
the woods was known far and near, and the search was 
renewed with increased enthusiasm. 

They were overtaken and surrounded in a strip of wood- 
land near Mankato, and all the fords and bridges and roads 
so completely guarded that it was thought impossible for 
them to escape; but about midnight they suddenly aj^peared 
at a bridge, drove the guard off, crossed over and disappeared 
m the woods. 

On the evening of the 13th, six days after the Northfield 
tragedy, the robbers stole into Mankato once more, but in 
different plight from that in which they had entered that place 
but little more than a week before. Then they were free 
and hojDcful of success; now they were hunted and well nigh 
discouraged. Still they trudged on, trusting to fortune and 
the skill and cunning which had never yet forsaken them. 
Just as they reached the confines of the town they were 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 30 ] 



startled by the shrill whistle of the oil mill. This they sup- 
posed was a signal agreed upon by the citizens announcing 
their approach, and concluding that they had been discovered, 
they turned aside and skulked through the alleys and by-ways 
back of the mill, and passed out beyond the town to a strip 
of thin woods near by. Here they found a melon patch, and 
then, at the dead of night, surrounded by danger in a thou- 
sand shapes, they proceeded to indulge in a quiet feast, maybe 
their Inst for all they knew. Afterward they went to a 
house not far distant and got a chicken, and would have got 
more, but just then they heard people shouting and calling, 
and saw men hunting about for tracks. Then they retired 
to a safer place, and soon pushed forward on their weary 
journey through the woods along the river. 

It was here that the James Brothers, so rumor has it, pro- 
posed to kill Jim Younger, whose wounds were beyond doubt 
mortal, and whose bleeding left a trail by which they would 
all be finally hunted down. The proposition was rejected 
with the scorn it deserved, and the band then separated; the 
James Brothers taking one direction, while Cole and Bob 
Younger, with their wounded brother and Charlie Pitts, took 
their sad way together. 

From the remarkable skill in woodcraft exhibited by 
these men, it is more than likely that if they had abandoned 
the helpless one and looked only to their own safety, they 
would have escaped, in spite of the strangeness of the country. 
As it was they came near getting away, burden and all. 

But the bandages and blood they left along the way were 
unerring pointers which they could not ahvays conceal from 



302 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



their pursuers. Time and time again they waded for miles 
through streams and marshes to hide their tracks, and for a 
while it seemed as if they were destined to be successful. All 
trace of them had been lost, and for a full week after the 
14th no indication of their course had been found. 

They had reached a point near the Watonwan River, 
distant, in a direct line, about seventy-five miles from North- 
field, but by the route they had taken in their ignorance of 
the country, they had traveled fully a hundred and thirty 
miles. It was the 3ist of September, fourteen days since the 
beginning of their flight, a period into which had been 
crowded more hardships, perils and fatigues than had fallen 
to the lot of these men since the memorable retreat from- 
Lawrence. Their feet were blistered and so sore that ever}'^ 
step was torture; hunger had wrought its effects, and left 
them weak when they should have been strong. Never since 
they started had they found a chance to fully satisfy their 
appetite. The few hasty meals they had eaten had been 
caught from the fields through which they were driven, and 
eaten as they hastened on their perilous way. But the end 
was fast approaching; their tortuous march was soon to be 
brought to a close; the network of foes, like the coil of a 
great serpent, was rapidly tightening around them; every 
hour hastened their doom ; every painful step the}^ took 
brought them nearer to the scene of their last desperate 
struggle. 

On the morning of the 21st a man called at a farmhouse 
about eight miles west of Madelia and bought some bread. 
His haggard face and the deplorable condition of his clothes, 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 303 

which were torn and stahied with blood, aroused the suspi- 
cions of the family. A boy at the house watched him till he 
joined three others, and with them took a westerly direction 
across a field. This confirmed the suspicions aroused; the 
boy hastih^ carried the news to Madelia, and within two 
hours after the man left the formhouse with his bread, a 
hundred armed citizens were riding- in his tracks. 

The party continued to receive volunteers along- the way 
until they numbered more than a hundred and fifty. In the 
meantime, the four wounded and weary refugees were making 
their way as fast as they could toward a dense forest which 
skirts the Watonwan River. They had not far to go to 
reach it, and it is possible — judging from what they had 
accomplished in places less favorable — that, with another 
hour before them, they would have got beyond the limits of 
practicable pursuit, and escaped entirely. 

But the citizens were upon them now, and it was still 
mornmg; many hours intervened between them and their 
trusty guardian — the night. Exhausted with fatigue, weak 
and stiff with their wounds, they were in poor condition for 
either flight or defence; but they had never thought of 
surrendering. 

It was about noon when Sheriff Gilispin, who, with four 
deputies, was riding in advance, spied the forlorn procession 
at the edge of a swamp which borders the river at that place. 
Observing their pursuers, the robbers waded into the slough 
which, for the time, offered them protection, as they could not 
be followed there by a horse. 

The sheriff and his party rode forward as far as the 



304 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

ground would permit, and commanded the men to surrender. 
The robbers paid no attention to the order, but continued to 
wade toward the other side. Seeing that he could not follow 
them lurthcr, the sheriff ordered his men to fire. The range 
was long and the volley was ineffectual, so the party rode 
around the swamp with the intention of heading off the rob- 
bers. This took time, and the bandits made the best they 
could of it. They continued to hobble on toward the river, 
and had gone nearly two miles further before the citizens 
caught up with them. 

They were at the edge of a strip of timber when the 
sheriff's party opened fire upon them at long range. This 
the}^ promptly returned, wounding the sheriff's horse and 
sending bullets so close to the ears of the riders that their 
enthusiasm was checked for a moment, during which the bold 
quartette gained the timber, and were soon out of sight. 

Proceeding straight on through the wood — which they 
discovered when too kite embraced only a few acres — they 
came out into a wood just as a wag(Mi containing a party of 
sportsmen was passing. The bandits sprang forward and 
attempted to capture the wagon; but the occupants presented 
their guns, and the unlucky four, supposing the party were 
pursuers, retreated again into the wood. That sealed their 
fate. The clump of timber to which they returned was a 
mere oasis in a desert of danger. On one side was the road, 
which soon filled with their hunters; on the other was the 
prairie where they just had left a band of pursuers; wherever 
they turned w^as open country, and around them now on 
every side their enemies had gathered. They were caged, 



^ OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 305 

The citizens who had now surrounded the Httle chmip of 
trees began to fire into it from all sides; but the game they 
hunted was too old to be " scared up " by that means, and 
too cunning to respond to so general a challenge. They 
were well concealed, and a storm of bullets might have been 
poured into the place in that promiscuous way forever with- 
out hurting anybody, so they kept quiet, and waited for 
developments. 

At last the sheriff organized a party to go in and rout 
them out. There was nothmg especially delightful about the 
undertaking, yet there were men who volunteered to assist 
in it. Col. Vaught, George Bradford, James Severson, Capt. 
Murphy, Ben Rice and Charles Pomeroy, with Sheriff 
Gilispin, arranged themselves in line, about twenty feet apart, 
and proceeded cautiously through the brush. When they 
had gone about fifty yards a man jumped up before the 
sheriff and fired. The sheriff's rifle, which he was carrying 
cocked and ready for instant use, went off at the first move- 
ment of the bushes, and the man, who afterward proved to 
be Charley Pitts, ran a few yards, reeled and with a yell that 
never will be forgotten by those who took part in that 
strange conflict, fell at the feet of his desperate companions 
and died. Then the citizens began to close around them, 
firing continuously as they advanced. The bandits, though 
greatly outnumbered and exhausted with fatigue, returned 
the fire with telling effect, but the issue could not be doubtful 
this time; a hundred and fifty fresh men, brave and fully 
armed, against that exhausted and hopeless four. A rifle ball 
went crashing through Jim Younger's jaw, tearing away the 

2Q 



3o6 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

flesh and shattering the bone in a horrible way. But the 
fight still continued; the brigands would- not surrender while 
life lasted; they all had received shots, but still fought on. 
At last Cole sank down, after six bullets had lodged in his 
body and one in his head, and Bob was left to conduct the 
battle alone. He stood up between his fallen brothers and 
emptied his revolvers among the citizens; then he took 
another from Jim and continued to fire till a bullet broke his 
right arm; shifting the pistol to his left he kept up the 
defence till the last chamber was empty; then throwing it 
down, he said: " It's no use to fight any longer; the boys are 
all shot to pieces." 

Then the citizens gathered around them. They were 
prisoners at last; their long career of crime and freedom had 
closed forever; those daring spirits who had for fourteen 
years kept the country in fear and turmoil; who had escaped 
from a thousand perils and braved a thousand more, until it 
seemed as if they could not be taken by men, at last were 
prisoners. They were put into wagons and taken to Madelia, 
and the news was telegraphed far and wide that the North- 
field robbers had been captured. The survivors confessed 
that they were the Younger Brothers, and thousands came in 
to Madelia to see the notorious robbers. Women — those 
sympathetic apologists for crime whenever it takes a brave 
or gallant form — crowded to their cells and looked admir- 
ingly upon those celebrated heroes of a hundred outrages. 

They were handsome fellows, despite the terrible ordeal 
through which they had passed. Pitts and Miller, the only 
brutish-looking members of the gang, had been killed. Only 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 307 

the Young-ers survived, and they were a fine looking family. 
Tall, every one over six feet in height, robust and intellec- 
tual, they were so different from the accepted description of 
criminals, especially highwaymen, that it was difficult, while 
looking at them, to realize their true characters. 

Bob, the youngest, was just twenty-one, and a magnifi- 
cent specimen of manhood. He said the boys had done their 
best; they had never been taken before, and would have got 
away then but they had relied upon Chadwell to guide them, 
and he had been killed before the retreat commenced. He 
declared that, although they had borne many hardships, 
when they were captured they were all tough and could have 
endured a great deal more. They said that they should have 
killed Dunning, and then they would have escaped; but they 
did not delight in bloodshed, and were foolish enough to 
indulge their merciful disposition at the expense of their own 
safety. 

Surgical aid was procured, and the boys were found to be 
in a terrible plight. Cole had received in all eleven wounds 
during the last engagement, which, added to some "old ones" 
which still left their scars on his body, made him present a 
somewhat checkered appearance. A bullet had lodged under 
his right eye in such a way that it could not be extracted, 
paralyzing the optic nerve and causing the deformity notice- 
able in his portrait. Jim was a total wreck, and was looked 
upon by the physicians as a hopeless case. A rifle ball had 
torn most of his under jaw away, exposing the bones and 
nerves and the lower part of the tongue in a frightful man- 
ner. The wound in the shoulder which had troubled him so 



3o8 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

much during the retreat was a ghastly sight, and appeared in 
itself sufficient to cause death; besides, he had a charge of 
small shot and a rifle ball in his body. ' Bob was the only one 
able to stand at the surrender, and he was badly hurt. 

All efforts to " pump " the boys after their capture were 
futile. They would not say anything about their compan- 
ions; not even those who had been killed. 

One day a man visited their cell, and told them that the 
James Boys had been captured; one dead, and the other 
mortally wounded. 

"What makes you think they are the James Boys?" 
asked Cole. 

" The wounded man confessed." 

"Which one? " 

"Jesse." 

" Which one, I say; the big one or the little one?" 

" The little one." 

" Did he say anything about us? " 

" No." 

"Good boy!" said the laconic Cole, and that was all. 
They were willing to talk about the " big one " and the 
" little one," but they never spoke a name. The dead were 
all identified by others who knew them, so that there was no 
doubt as to who they were. 

Clell Miller and Bill Chadwell were the men who fell in 
the street at Northfield, and Charley Pitts the one killed in 
the woods at the capture. They were all desperate men, 
and had won unenviable fame in many preceding robberies. 
Miller was an ex-guerilla, and was known as a hard fighter. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 309 



He first came into notice as a common robber at the raid on 
the Corydon Bank, and afterward figured prominently in most 
of the outrages perpetrated by that band. Bill Chadwell had 
been a resident of Minnesota, but had been suspected or 
detected in stealing horses there, and was forced to leave the 
State. He was a rough character, and had never been con- 
nected with an aflfair of such importance before. He was 
invited to the conference preceding the fatal raid because of 
his intimate knowledge of the country in which they intended 
to operate, and his death at the very beginning of the attack 
was a fata) blow to the hopes of the others. His father 
identified the body. Charley Pitts, alias Charles Wells, was 
a noted desperado from Texas. Unlike the Youngers, his 
face was a faultless index to his soul. The bearded lips and 
beetling brows did not conceal, but expressed in all their 
repulsive lines, the desperate character of the man. Ugly as 
he was wicked, he was known as " The Hyena," and 
although exposure, hunger, and a violent death had lent an 
unnatural hideousness to the countenance, it was still easy for 
those who had once seen the notorious " Pitts " to identify 
his remains. 

As soon as their wounds permitted, the surviving prison- 
ers, Cole, Jim and Bob Younger, were removed to Faribault, 
the county seat of Rice county. The body of the dead ban- 
dit, Charley Pitts, was taken to St. Paul and embalmed. 

At Faribault the prisoners were kindly treated and 
received all the care and attention possible, for which they 
appeared to be very grateful, saying that they could not un- 
derstand such magnanimity when it was so undeserved. 



310 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

Under this treatment they rapidly recovered from the 
effects of their wounds and exposure. Of course every pre- 
caution was taken against any possible attempt to release 
the prisoners, whose characters and that of their associates 
demanded the strictest vigilance and a strong guard constantly 
about the jail where they were confined. 

Among the visitors from the old haunts of the captured 
robbers were James McDonough, Chief of the St. Louis 
police, and a party of detectives. The prisoners received 
them with every remark of respect. Cole and Bob had 
recovered rapidly, and were able to entertain their visitors 
with some show of ease and good humor. They were smok- 
ing and reading newspapers when the party from St. Louis 
arrived, and entered at once into a friendly and interesting 
conversation which lasted for about two hours, during which 
nobody learned anything of importance concerning the pris- 
oners or their companions in crime. 

A sister of the captured bandits — Miss Laurette Younger, 
called " Ret " and " Rettie " by her brothers, accompanied by 
an aunt, Mrs. Twyman, and a brother-in-law, Mr. R. S. 
Hall, all of Jackson county, Missouri, arrived in Faribault 
soon after the capture, and during their stay were frequent 
visitors at the jail. Miss Rettie was constant in her attend- 
ance at«the cell of the doomed men, and her grief and sisterly 
affection were touching in the extreme. 

She had heard of the capture of her brothers while at a 
seminary in Lexington, Missouri, and immediately started on 
her long and sorrowful journey to the scene of their shame 
and defeat. She was described as being a young lady of very 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 311 

prepossessing . appearance, with slight figure, Hght brown 
hair, regular features, and frank, gentle-looking eyes; and 
strange to say, it was in the latter where lay the strongest 
mark of resemblance between that affectionate, innocent 
girl and those cruel perpetrators of so many crimes. Ye 
who insist that the eyes are the windows of the soul, must 
admit that those windows as often conceal as reveal the spirit 
within. 

Upon entering the jail, the poor girl went straight to 
where Jim lay on his couch, and taking the bandaged head 
in her arms, and covering it with kisses, she exclaimed : 

"Oh, my dear brother, this is terrible! Cole and Robert 
enticed you to this. It is all their fault." 

Throughout the entire visit she remained at Jim's side, 
weeping and constantly caressing the wounded boy, and fre- 
quently exclaiming: 

" Oh, Jimmie, my dear brother ! What shall I do with- 
out you ? " 

When the party were leaving the cell. Miss Rettie gave 
her hand to Cole and Bob, and with a mere bow, passed 
sadly out. The older brothers, Cole and Bob, were very 
much embarrassed through the visit. When they were 
informed of their sister's arrival, they expressed themselves 
as dreading the meeting with her. Jim, it seems, had always 
been the pet of the fiimily, and Cole and Bob were more 
solicitous about his safety during the retreat than about their 
own. Had it not been for this there is little doubt that they 
could have escaped. 

We will now follow, as far as possible, the footsteps of 



312 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



the other two robbers through a retreat which, for dangers 
and hardships, has no parallel in the history of remarkable 
escapes. The next night after the separation of the bandits 
in Blue Earth Bottom, the James Brothers broke through a 
guard of citizens, and made their way in the face of a lively 
fire to a corn-field. During the encounter they both received 
wounds, Frank a serious one in the thigh. The corn-field 
proved to be an excellent place of concealment, and after 
reaching it their pursuers for the time appeared to have lost 
all trace of them. They came out at the rear of a farm-yard 
about midnight, and appropriated two good horses, and 
reaching the open country, struck out for the border. But 
they were badly " used up " and stiflf from their wounds, and 
but for their desperate situation, could not have proceeded 
any further. Occasionally they would stop and " trade " 
horses, sometimes having to use their pistols to effect an 
exchange. Several times they called at houses for food, and 
were told while they received it that the " men folks" had 
gone out to hunt the Northfield robbers. On the border of 
Iowa they encountered a posse of their pursuers, and after a 
running fight, during which two of the citizens were wounded, 
the chase- ended, and the robbers continued their retreat. 

By their mode of frequently " changing horses," they 
now got along quite rapidly, although their bold course 
exposed them to constantly increasing peril. At times they 
were completely surrounded, and no chance of escaping 
seemed to remain; but persistence and bravery which would 
have won them distinction in almost any other cause, always 
bore them through, and secured them at least a temporary 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 313 

respite, although in another hour they might be compelled to 
face danger in another form. 

At one place in a wilderness of heavy timber and thick 
underbrush which offered them security, they found a good 
hiding-place, and concluded to rest there until pursuit of 
them was abandoned. A neighboring farm appeared to 
extend the hospitality of a well-filled chicken coop, and a 
field of corn and one of melons especially commended the 
place to them. There they could rest and care for their 
wounds, and regain the strength they had lost through hun- 
ger and fatigue. But one good meal of roast chicken and 
corn was all they ever got there. Their pursuers had found 
their trail, and forced them to leave their comfortable retreat. 
The robbers had lost their horses, and were again compelled 
to make their way on foot. But they were now in a country 
where they could travel more safely, if not so rapidly, that 
way than on horseback, as on foot they could take advantage 
of the concealment offered only by woods and fields, which 
they could not do encumbered by horses. It was necessary 
now more than ever before for the robbers to avoid the high- 
ways. Their bold appropriation of all the good horses that 
had come in their way had aroused the whole country around 
them, and made caution a necessity. They now traveled 
entirely at night, and rested through the day. Arriving one 
morning just before daylight at a farmhouse, they crept into 
the barn, and concealing themselves under some hay, soon 
fell asleep. They had not lain long in their rustic bed when 
the farmer came to feed his horses. For half an hour he 
worked about the barn, unconscious of his strange and dan- 



314 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

gerous guests. He took hay from within three feet of the 
hidden robbers, but fortunately for him, did not uncover their 
resting-place. All this time the robbers had lain with pistols 
ready, expecting momentarily to be discovered; but at last 
the farmer went away, unconscious of the danger he had so 
luckily escaped. After that the bandits moved further back 
among the hay and slept till night without being annoyed 
again, except during the feeding at noon and evening, which, 
however, was done without much danger to them, owing to 
their change of position. 

The next morning the farmer came to his stable as usual 
to feed his horses, but there were two less horses to feed. 
The visitors of the day before had gone; the two best horses 
in the stable had borne them fifty miles nearer to safety. 
Here they secured their horses in a thicket and rested till 
noon, when Jesse went to a farmhouse near by to get some- 
thing to eat. As he approached the house he saw a number 
of people -in the yard and on the porch, and soon discovered 
that there was a funeral about to leave the place. He con- 
cealed himself until the folks had all got out of sight, and 
then proceeded to the house. A boy who was left in charge 
during the absence of the family, upon seeing Jesse — whose 
appearance had not been at all improved by the exposure he 
had endured — became frightened, and started to leave the 
house. But Jesse, whose manner was always winning, spoke 
kindly to him and asked the lad to get him a drink of water. 
Reassured by the evident gentleness of the man, the boy 
started to obey, when Jesse sprang upon him and, drawing a 
pistol, told him that if he uttered a cry or attempted to 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 315 

escape, he would kill him in his tracks. Then Jesse demanded 
to know where the men kept their clothes; being shown the 
place, he selected two respectable suits, a pair of shirts, a 
couple of hats, and two pairs of boots. Then t3ang the boy 
securely with a cord cut from a bed, and assuring him that if 
he offered to move from the house he would murder him, 
Jesse took a loaf of bread and some meat from the pantry, 
and returned to the hiding-place in the woods. 

Time now was valuable. In a few hours the family 
would return, and then the country would swarm with pur- 
suers. Making a hasty toilet at a neighboring spring, the 
two men removed the clothes which had so long been marks 
of desjri^Dtion upon them, and donning the new outfits, they 
rode boldly into the road, and proceeded openly on their way. 
At the next town they stopped at a hotel, went to a barber 
shop and got shaved and had their hair cut, and came back to 
supper. After supper they entered into general conversation 
around the office stove; inquired the price of land in that 
neighborhood, and among other things, the conversation 
naturally turned to the Northfield tragedy, and the horse- 
stealing which had recently caused so much excitement. 
Here the strangers became very interesting; they had come 
through the country where the excitement had been greatest. 
In fact, at one place, they " went out with the boys for a 

little while to hunt the d d rascals. ■ Some one had seen 

them in the woods near the town, and everybody turned out; 
but after pursuing the trail all day and part of the night, they 
found they had been following a couple of tramps." It was 
their opinion that the robbers were still in the neighborhood 



3i6 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

of Nortnfield. In fact, it was impossible for them to have ^oi 
far on account of the way the roads had been guarded. 
" Why," said Jesse, who always did the talking when Frank 
and he were together among strangers, " within an hour after 
they left Northfield two hundred of us started out of Man- 
kato by different roads to head them off. That was miles 
from the scene of the occurrence, and it was just, so at all the 
telegraph stations within a hundred miles of Northfield. 
Every road and ford and bridge within a radius of a hundred 
miles was completelv guarded before night, and it was simply 
impossible for those fellows to have gone much further than 
Shieldsville. It's my opinion that the gang had laid their^ 
plans carefully, arranged with friends in the neighborhood, 
and after the raid made straight for places of concealment 
prepared beforehand ; and if they are ever found it will be 
within fifty miles of Northfield. That is the place to look 
for them." 

This theory, if not strictly in harmony with the opinion 
of others, was in a measuie plausible, and at least bore every 
evidence of honesty. There were some present who thought 
the robbers had got beyond the reach of possible pursuit; 
others asserted that those engaged in the affair were men 
who lived in the State, and were then at home or engaged 
with their neighbors in the hunt for the outlaws. In the 
meantime the travelers called for their horses, settled their 
bill, and rode away. 

They were once more civilians, and in position to meet 
and converse with men without danger. Their appearance 
no longer rendered them objects of suspicion. When oppor- 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



zn 



tunity occurred they sold their horses, bought a new outfit of 
clothes, and thereafter traveled by rail. At Kansas City 
Frank was left in charge of a physician, while Jesse, whose 
wounds were not so serious, continued his journey till he 
arrived in Texas. Here he was subsequently joined by 
Frank, and after a quiet sojourn, they recovered from their 
wounds and the chagrin of their late defeat. 

In October, at the meeting of the Circuit Court at Fari- 
bault, Thomas Coleman Younger, Robert Ewing Younger, 
and James Younger, were arraigned to answer to an indict- 
ment for murder in the first degree, and for conspiring to com- 
mit robbery. To the charge of murder it was the intention 
of the prisoners to plead not guilty, but their attorney per- 
suaded them in view of the clemency extended by the law of 
Minnesota in cases where defendants plead guilty as charged, 
not to contest the indictment; so at the trial, in answer to the 
charges entered against them, the three men pleaded " Guilty," 
and were promptly called upon to stand up and receive sen- 
tence, which was that they be taken to the jail at Stillwater 
and confined for the term of their natural lives. 

Upon hearing the solemn words which doomed the cul- 
prits to a life of solitude, and consigned them to a living death, 
the sister of the prisoners gave way to the most violent dem- 
onstrations of grief, falling ujDon Jim's neck and shrieking 
and sobbing in a frantic manner. The scene was the most af- 
fecting imaginable; many eyes were moist which at first wore 
looks of sternness, and lips quivered with pity which had just 
been curved in scorn and hatred of the men whose lawless acts 
had provoked the stern decision. 



3i8 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

The prisoners were led from the room to the jail, and the 
next day were taken to their place of confinement, the pen- 
itentiary at Stillwater, where they have since remained living 
out the days of a monotonous life, shut in from the sight and 
the interests of men. 

It was long thought probable that some attempt would be 
made by their friends to liberate the Youngei Brothers, but 
nothing of importance was ever developed to that end, and 
there now seems to be no doubt that they will expiate their 
crimes as prescribed by the law. 




CHAPTER XLIV. 

THE JAMES BROTHERS FLY ACROSS THE BORDER — SOJOURN 
IN MEXICO ADVENTURES AMONG THE NATIVES. 

It would now have been rashness — fool-hardiness — to 
retiiirti to their old haunts. Missouri had long been a safe 
resting-place for them, but their last outrage had awakened 
the nation. Hundreds of brave men sought reward and re- 
nown in the hunt for those violators of the law, and their 
home and all their known resorts were watched ceaselessly. 
Missouri was no longer safe for them; nor did the Union 
offer them a refuge anywhere in its wide expanse. And so 
the James Brothers decided to retire from the field of their 
former depredations and rest, or ply their desperate trade 
beyond the limits of the law which sought their lives so 
industriously. With this intention, they met by appointment 
in Texas, and cautiously took their way to Mexico. There 
they were in their proper element, surrounded by the thieves 
and murderers that infest the border of that country, not all 
of whom were strangers to them, for there they met three 
members of the old gang, among them Jack Bishop, a noted 
desperado from the States. These made the band complete 
and large enough for the most sanguinary operations, and it 
was not long till they began to look about them for prey 
worthy of their skill and daring. Carmen was the place 
they selected for their introductory operations, and it was not 
long before the opportunity occurred for this. 



3-0 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

As tliis scene in their dramatic lives is laid among less 
familiar objects than those which have figured in their former 
exploits, we ventm'e to give some description of their new 
surroundings. 

The American who, for the first time, sees a Mexican 
town, is at once impressed with its ancient physiognomy. 
Everything of a modern character seems to have been reli- 
giously excluded from its confines. To one who has ever been 
in Cadiz, in Madrid, in Naples, in Rome, the impress of the 
southern nations is strikingly apparent in every city and 
hamlet in that country. There are the straight streets, the 
open plaza or square, the heavy stone houses with flat roofs, 
the endless churches with glittering cupolas and extensive," 
citadel-like cloisters, magnificent aqueducts like those of an- 
cient Rome, — splendor and luxury on the one hand, filth and 
wretchedness on the other. Here, as in the two Castiles from 
which the Mexicans obtained their modern architecture, we 
notice the same absence of trees and the same lack of beau- 
tiful parks and gardens, the place of which is ill supplied by 
dirty and unpleasant environs. 

"New Spain" is a most proper name to bestow upon this 
country, in which is preserved so many of the customs and 
fashions of its parent land. However, there are features in 
which the resemblance cannot be traced. In " Old Spain " 
every town and city has a far-reaching histor}^; almost every 
building and archway, all the gates and walls and citadels are 
monuments in stone of the land where they stand, and the 
people who have walked among them. In Mexico this is 
not the case. The ancient people whom the Spaniards dis- 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 321 

placed have aimost disappeared from the land, except where 
their blood is mingled with that of the conquerors, and exert 
as little influence upon the life and manners of that country 
as the Indian does upon the customs of American society. 
Their monuments are few, and their history scant. No one 
in Mexico to-day seems to care anything about matters dat- 
ing prior to the Revolution. Scores of people who have 
dwelt all their lives in the capital cannot tell where Cortes' 
house was situated; hardly one in the republic could point out 
where the armed Alvarado leaped over the broad canal, and 
no one knows, and few care, where Montezuma fell, or where 
the statue of Tlaloc was worshiped. These true children of 
the sun are not much interested in matters which do not 
directly influence their present state. Sufficient unto the day 
is the history thereof, is in a measure the motto of the ordi- 
nary Mexican, and his total indifference to matters relating to 
the past and future of his country is but a feature of the spirit 
which causes him to lounge in the shade of his vine and fig 
tree, and smoke his cigarettes, while foreigners take the gold 
and silver from his mines. 

The " Plaza" is the market place of the Mexican town. 
It is usually a broad open court in the center of the place; 
one side is invariably occupied by the chief church, w^iile on 
the opposite, as invariably are the city halls, or in the principal 
town of the state, the capitol ; the other sides are occupied 
with the houses of the wealthy people, the under stories of 
these being usually a colonnade in which are the finest shops, 
wine and coffee houses, club-rooms, etc. The Plaza is the 
trading place of the busy, and the lounging place of the idle. 
21 



332 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

It is the forum of ancient Rome in miniature. It is the head- 
quarters of news, the meeting ground of gossipers and scan- 
dal mongers. It is the fashionable promenade; in the Plaza 
can best be seen the various phases of Mexican life. There 
congregate the high and low, the rich and poor, priest and 
layman, laborers on foot, and lordly dons and donnas in sump- 
tuous equipages. In the Plaza also are conducted the drills 
of citizen soldiery, the firework displays and all public meet- 
ings, and here parade the stately processions of the church. 
Here the pious ladies of Mexico walk before and after " mass," 
and here the impious young gentlemen of the land come to 
meet them. Among the many frequenters of the Plaza the 
stranger cannot fail to observe certain portly gentlemen, ob^ 
viously easy as to this world's goods, and from their sunburnt 
faces, and garments cut by the local tailor, unquestionably 
from the country. These are invariably conservatives, be- 
lievers in the good old times, and prophets of evil things to 
come. They hate railways " because they hurt the trade of 
the carriers," an argument not entirely new, nor peculiar to 
Mexico, as the average reader of the newspapers of thirty 
years ago will remember. They also prophesy no good of 
gas; it is an open violation of the law of God to illuminate 
the streets when night has settled upon the earth. For it is 
plain that God designed the night to be dark, else he would 
have made it light. 

The military is an important element in Mexico, and the 
Mexican soldier, who is always a lazy, good-for-nothing de- 
bauchee, and the festive officer, who is always a fop, are per- 
manent features of the Plaza. These worthless parasites 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 323 

are always rude and overbearing, and frequentl)' insulting to 
the common citizens; their uniform protects them in their cus- 
sedness, andstrange to say commands respect even where it 
most insults. At one time the military absorbed four-fifths 
of the entire revenue of the country, but though still the 
moving cause of frequent revolution, it has of late years had 
its power for evil considerably abridged. 

Such is the typical Mexican town, and such of course is 
Carmen, the place selected by the James Brothers. Carmen 
is a village of considerable size and importance in Mexico. 
It is situated in a beautiful valley from which rise ridges of 
high and rugged hills and mountains. Through it the cara- 
vans of traders and the treasure bearers from the mines of 
Chihuahua all constantly pass. 

Carmen is consequently a halting place for these and 
at times has heaped uj^on her plaza vast stores of mer- 
chandise and mineral wealth. Small parties often passed 
through here on their way to or from the North with consid- 
erable sums of money; these would have been easy prey for 
the practiced hands of our robbers but the prize was too small; 
and they left it for the less ambitious thieves of that country, 
who are content to cut a throat, take a wallet or a watch, and 
sneak away in the dark. These proud highwayman scorned 
such booty. They waited for large game. One day a cara- 
van of packed mules laden with silver ore from the mines of 
Chihuahua moved into the little city of Carmen and halted there 
for a day's rest. The James Boys, on the alert for just such 
arrivals, hailed the sight with secret joy. Spotting one of the 
guards who was leaving his party to make some purchases in 



324 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

the city, Jcvsse, who was always chosen for such service on 
account of a pecuhar good-natured manner he possessed which 
never awoke suspicion and frequently won the confidence and 
fellowship of strangers — followed the guard till he got an 
opportunity to engage him in conversation. This soon oc- 
curred. The guard, who was an American, met an old ac- 
quaintance and they adjourned to a saloon to take a drink. 
Jesse, who heard the proposition, was in the saloon before they 
got there and had taken a position at the bar where he was 
stirring the sugar in a glass of American whisky, when the 
guard and his friend arrived. 

The conversation, which was conducted between the two 
without reserve, related principally to the destination of the 
guard's party, which Jesse soon learned was to be Galveston. 

"When I get back across the line this time," said the 
guard, "I'll stay there if I starve. Mexico is a good place for 
silver and warm weather, and clothes and whisky are cheap 
here, but I'd rather live where snakes and tarantulas and 
Mexicans are. not quite so thick." 

"Well," said the other, "if I owned as profitable an inter- 
est in purgatory as you own in Mexico, it would take lots of 
snakes and bad society to drive me avsray from it. A share in a 
mine that turns out 40,000 pounds of silver a month is worth 
looking after; besides, I don't find the Mexicans so hard to 
endure. If you will come with me to-night, I will introduce 
you to one whom I have found decidedly agreeable, and you 
know I used to be fastidious." 

"Yes, I have no doubt of it, another senorita. Tom, I'll bet 
you will marry one of those soft-eyed devils if you stay here 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 325 

a year. They are treacherous as sin, and I don't like them; 
still a fellow can endure the women on account of their 
beauty, even when he knows they are treacherous. We have 
to be constantly on the watch from the mines to Texas; the 
road fairly bristles with robbers, and we expect an attack 
whenever we enter a pass." 

Here Jesse, who had shown considerable interest in the 
conversation, inquired if there really was so much danger to 
travelers in that country, and remarked that he was with a 
small party of gentlemen from the States, and had intended 
to start north in a day or two, but if the peril was so great 
they would certainly not attempt the journey alone, but 
would wait for the return of another company who had come 
down with them and gone through to the mines, i These 
would not probably get back within two weeks, and he was 
sorry to stay so long in that disagreeable place, but rather 
than risk their money and their lives they would try to en- 
dure the situation till they could leave it safely. 

Americans are not very particular about the restriction of 
their native etiquette in places so far from home. We in- 
dulge in great latitude in the way of making acquaintances 
among our own countrymen when we meet them in foreign 
lands; the fact that he is an American is a ticket to our confi- 
dence when we meet him in Africa, in Europe, or in Mexico, 
and so Jesse soon won admittance to the convivial company, 
and after a few "rounds" at the bar, during which the guard 
discovered that Jesse was a jolly fellow, it was decided that if 
his party would like to go through with the caravan they 
would be welcome to do so, as they would add something to 



326 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

the force, and mignt be needed in event they r:m foul of the 
Mexican freebooters as several of their companies had done. 

The next morning before the sun had risen above the 
hill tops, while the grass and trees w^ere still drenched in the 
heavy dew which is a peculiar feature of the tropics, the cara- 
van with its valuable freight moved slowly out of Carmen 
and took its tedious way north toward Fort Quitman, a small 
shipping station just across the border in Texas. Everything 
went smoothly with the little company for several days, travel- 
ing in the early morning, resting through the heat of the day, 
and resuming the march at evening. They were watchful 
])ut merr}^, laughing and singing and telling stories. If any 
suspicions or distrust of their new companions existed at first 
it had now totally vanished, and the American gentlemen who 
were afraid to travel the wild road alone, were admitted to full 
fellowship. They told good stories and made good jokes, and 
their genial manner and the good humor with which the}^ 
bore the hardships, and assisted in the duties of the journey, 
soon won the respect and confidence of all. 

They were now nearing the end of their journey ; another 
day would bring them in sight of the Rio Grande. It had 
been the intention of the American gentlemen to do nothing 
until they got within an easy run of the border, and now their 
time had arrived. The caravan had halted for the day in the 
shade of a cool forest; the noon meal vv^as over, the men and 
their beasts had finished the "siesta," or afternoon nap, a com- 
mon custom in climates where the heat is too intense at mid- 
day to permit physical exertion, the sun was well on its down- 
ward course, and its rays had lost their severity; it was the 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 327 

hour when life in Mexico shakes off its death-like repose, and 
resumes the duties it laid down at noon. The little company 
had risen, the muleteers were busy lashing the burdens upon 
their beasts; two armed men kept guard over the treasure 
though this was done now merely by way of formal com- 
pliance with customary discipline, for they had passed all the 
perilous places on the route, and there remained no longer any 
fear of danger from robbers. Attacks upon caravans were 
always made at points farther from the haunts of men; in 
mountain passes, in dark defiles, and at the entrance to deep 
forests. Upon approaching such places the caravans always 
Increased their precautions, rode close together with weapons 
ready for instant use, but now they were nearing the confines 
of civilization; to-morrow's sun would find them on what is 
known as the border, and would leave them at the margin of 
the Rio Grande. Another day and night and Quitman would 
receive their store and end for a space their tiresome march. 
No robbery had ever been perpetrated here; the boldest ban- 
dits had never dared to ply their trade so near the border line ; 
the vigilance heretofore so rigorously maintained had been grad- 
ually relaxed as dangers disappeared, until now at times a single 
guard performed the duties formerly discharged by the entire 
force. This was the opportunity for action; the signal had 
been passed from one to the other of the bandits, and all were 
ready for the word. Jesse and his friends had mounted their 
horses; the muleteers had finished packing their animals and 
started toward the place where their arms were stacked, when 
they were stopped with the cry of "' 

"Halt!" 



32i^ OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

" At the same instant two pistol shots rang out, and the two 
armed guards fell dead. 

" Every man hold up his hands!" cried Jesse, who was now 
master of ceremonies. One who was a little tardy about obeying 
the command, was shot promptly by way of example. Resis- 
tance was soon seen to be useless. The bandits ranged them- 
selves in front of the stack of guns and took possession of them ; 
then commanding the captives to range themselves in line they 
made them march away from the place with the warning that 
if any one attempted to look back they would be fired upon. 

Then began a hasty and exciting march, which continued 
all night. The next morning before sunrise they paused on 
the banks of the Rio Grande River. Here they secured the 
services of some Mexican boatmen, and transferring their silver 
to a fruit boat, disposed of their mules and horses, and took 
passage down the stream. Arriving at Fort Leaton a small 
shipping station at the mouth of the Conchos River, the ban- 
dits discharged their boatmen, and shortly after found sale for 
their ore and took their way to some sa fe retreat where they 
could live awhile on the proceeds of their last enterprise. 



CHAPTER XLVI. 

JD PASTURES new" T 

OF THE outlaw's LIFE BRIGANDAGE BEYOND THE RIO 

GRANDE — MORE MEXICAN EXPERIENCES FANDANGO AT 

MATAMORAS WHAT IT COSTS TO LAUGH AT FRANK AND 

JESSE JAMES THE SPRING OF 1877 — THE BRAVE MEN 

OF PIEDRAS NEGRAS. 

There is undoubtedly a great charm in an outlaw's life: 
The sailor's life is gay and free, free as the winds that fill 
his spreading sails, and gay as the sunbeams that dance upon 
the crested waves. With his bark for his bride, and the 
tossing waters for his boundless home; above all the blessings 
of the land, he prefers a " Life on the Ocean Wave." The 
gypsy's life; roaming through woodland and over moor, 
free from the restraints of civilized life, is picturesque and 
romantic. The miner's life; far away among the tall, 
dark mountains and the everlasting hills, shut out from all 
genial society, alone with nature and humanity in their 
roughest, crudest forms, may have for a time points of more 
than common interest. But the outlaw's life has fascinations 
all its own. There is a spice of constant danger that saves it 
from dullness, and the fact that at any moment the hand of 
the law may be laid upon your shoulder, redeems such a life 
from monotony. Once fairly launched into such a career, its 
charms seem to grow in number and in power. There was 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 331 

an irresistible fascination in the " Merrie greenwood " of 
Sherwood Forest for Robin Hood and Little John, and there 
was more of music for them in the pleasant echoes of the 
hunter's horn than in all the trumpets that ever blew. These 
wild children of the hill and valley, — of all times and lands, — 
have evinced the same great passion for a life free from all 
limits of custom, and control of law. And the moment they 
have turned aside from their free, wild life to "settle down," 
they have invariably found that "settling down" was just the 
one thing they could not do. 

It was so with the brothers Frank and Jesse James. After 
the terrible Northfield experience, when they escaped almost 
as by miracle, with their bodies riddled with shot, they too, 
thought of settling down. They left the old scenes of their 
wild depredations, and, as has been said, crossed the border. 
They thought of devoting their time to cattle raising, etc., and 
so purchased a ranche which they christened by the significant 
name of "Rest Ranche." But the restless, adventurous life 
they had led was a poor preparation for the comparatively 
quiet life of the farm or the ranche. 

Moreover, it must not be forgotten that if Missouri had its 
bandits, Mexico had its brigands. The Mexican cattle-thieves 
had won quite as great a name for wild, lawless exploits as 
the train and bank robbers of the West. When Frank and 
Jesse James crossed the Rio Grande it was not to enter into a 
region densely populated by law-abiding people, but they 
were going amongst a people and facing a condition of things 
that would be sure to offer many a tempting opportunity for 
the exhibition of their special and peculiar gifts. 



332- OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

The full detailed story of their Mexican exploits will never 
be told. It is more than probable that Frank and Jesse have 
both forgotten many incidents of their Mexican life that 
would have been of thrilling interest to our readers. The 
truth is they were so constantly in broils and conflicts and 
hairbreadth 'scapes, that what would be startling and 
eventful to the ordinary mind, they dismissed from mind 
and memory as scarcely worth a thought, much less worth 
recording. 

For the sake of its interest we will for a moment digress to 
narrate a somewhat tragic story concerning one of the early 
experiences of the James Boys with these half- wild Mexicans. 
As far back as May, 1870, and just after the Gallatin bank 
robbery, Frank and Jesse James thinking it best to give the 
region of that robbery a pretty wide berth for some time, 
made their way to Texas. And one beautiful afternoon in 
this merry month of May, they rode well mounted into 
Matamoras. Matamoras was not a very interesting place in 
itself, but Mexicans are light-hearted and gay, and they are 
not dependent on any trifling circumstances for their delight. 
On the night in question, a fandango was announced to be 
held, and nothing loth, Frank and Jesse determined to attend 
and have their share of the fun. 

A Mexican fandango is a sort of fancy ball on a small 
scale. The dancers are masked during a part of the enter- 
tainment, with small masks large enough to hide actual 
identity, and yet small enough to reveal a considerable por- 
tion of the face. At a certain hour the order of unmasking 
is given, and then most of the dancers unmask, though it 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 333 

is left entirely to the option of the dancers whether they 
unmask or not. The night came, and with the night the 
fandango. The hall was brilliantly lighted, and soon the 
olive-hued senoritas and gay hidalgos began to congregate. 
It would seem as if half Matamoras had turned out to the 
ball. The band was in good tune, and very soon a large 
pro23ortion of the company was tripping on the light fantastic 
toe. The scene became inspiring. With Mexicans as with 
Spaniards, dancing is a perfect passion. They can dance, 
and they will dance, and circumstances and time agreeing, 
nothing in heaven above or on the earth beneath will hinder 
them from dancing. The dancing became all but universal, 
and Frank and Jesse caught something of the spirit of the 
scene, and before long they had secured partners, and were 
dancing their best. Frank and Jesse had their good points, 
but they could not do everything. They could fire off a gun 
or pistol with the deadest of all dead certainties ; they could 
ride the wildest horse that could be brought to them ; but 
they could not dance. They were never intended for gallant 
carpet knights. Their movements were awkward, angular 
and absurd. They dragged their fair partners along with 
such violence that all other dancers were careful to keep clear 
of them, and the poor frightened Mexican damsels whom 
they whirled around, seemed to be afraid lest the dance should 
end in some fearful crash. The on-lookers were amused, 
and some of the bolder spirits of the fandango broke out in 
open laughter at the American guys who seemed to have 
gathered their notions of graceful dancing from a herd of 
untrained elephants. The wine flowed freely, the fun was 



334 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



growing fast and furious. Frank and Jesse found no diffi- 
culty in getting partners, and with a perversity natural to 
them, because they could not dance they determined they 
would dance. It was growing late, or rather early — some- 
where among the "wee small hours ayont the twah" — when 
two young Mexicans, just ripe for mischief, began to mimic 
with exaggei*ated contortions the awkward dancing of the 
robbers, and in so doing they made Frank and Jesse the 
objects of universal merriment. They were laughed at most 
uproariously by the whole company. This was too much 
for the boys. No man cares to be laughed at unless he is a 
professional clown. Frank and Jesse James didn't mind 
being shot at; but they wouldn't be laughed at. And so 
before the rippling laughter had time to subside, down went 
one of the boldest of these mimics, under the strong hand of 
Frank. Thus another kind of ball was opened at the fan- 
dango of Matamoras. The first blow was answered in a 
moment by a fierce looking hidalgo, who struck Frank a ter- 
rific blow in the Cheek, and sent him sprawling in a most 
unceremonious manner, into the midst of a bevy of Mexican 
damsels, who screamed with sudden terror. Jesse, who took 
in the whole situation at a glance, concluding that the time 
for action had arrived, drew his revolver, and shot the Mexi- 
can dead who struck his brother Frank. This was enough. 
The Spanish blood began to boil. Frank and Jesse made for 
the door, but stilettos gleamed and flashed, as did the angry 
eyes of the outraged Mexicans. Frank and Jesse were both 
struck and stabbed; but deadly as are these glittering weap- 
ons, they are poor and useless where revolvers come. The 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. • 33^ 

doors were blockaded, but the Missouri boys forced a passage 
with their pistols. In less time than it takes to tell, four 
Mexicans lay dead on the threshold, and six others were 
groaning with fearful wounds. Frank had a very narrow 
escape. A furious Mexican had marked Frank for his prey, 
and was aiming a blow with a dagger at his heart. Jesse's 
quick eye caught the movement, and in a moment he sent a 
pistol ball through the Mexican's brain, who reeled for a 
moment, and then with one wild yell, fell back dead. 

Frank and Jesse escaped from the hall, and made for their 
horses. It was just breaking day. Turning for one moment 
to look behind, Frank, who had seized a large bludgeon to 
be used if needed, saw three hidalgos in hot pursuit. They 
were somewhat exhausted with their running, all of which 
Frank was quick to perceive, and turning upon them with 
almost superhuman strength, he laid the three Mexicans 
stunned and motionless at his feet. By this time the com- 
pany had rushed out of the hall ; but Frank and Jesse mounted 
their horses and fled. They were hotly pursued. There was 
nothing for it but to make a bold plunge into the Rio Grande, 
which they did, and swam safely to the further shore. 

On the whole that was the liveliest f^mdango Matamoras 
had ever seen; and though the James Boys had made no 
reputation as graceful dancers, they had certainly taught their 
Mexican friends a lesson that they were not to be laughed at 
with impunity. 

They had paid a dollar each the night before for their 
tickets to the fandango. 

" Frank, old boy," said Jesse, smarting from certain 



336 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 



wounds he had received, and dripping with the waters of the 
Rio Grande, " guess we got our dollar's worth." 

"You bet!" was Frank's laconic reply. The boys had 
to go into quarantine at a little town called Concepcion. 
Here they remained under surgical care for nearly three 
months, so perverse were the wounds they had received at 
the fandango of Matamoras. 

We come back now to the chronological order of our nar- 
rative. It is the springtime of 1877. We are once again 
among the Mexicans. There is a spot on the River of the 
North that enjoys the unwholesome notoriety of " Rogues' 
Meeting-Place." The geographical name of this spot is 
Piedras Negras. At this point there gather from time to time 
all the worst elements of Mexican outlawry. Brigands from 
the passes of the Sierra Madres; thieves from Matamoras; 
cut-throats from Saltilio, and smugglers from all the border 
line. Frank and Jesse, as if moved by what Americans call 
" manifest destiny," came to this spot in the beauty of the 
early Mexican springtime. Their coming was by no means 
welcomed by the surly denizens of Piedras Negras. The 
brothers knew pretty well the character of these men, and had 
no special desire to try conclusions with them; and so they 
rode quietly and leisurely through the viilage, not forgetting 
however, to keep their weather eyes wide open. 

They had not gone far when a company of these half- 
cirunken Mexican raiders — thinking probably that there was 
a good chance for a haul — followed. Frank and Jesse quick- 
ened their pace, but they soon saw they were followed by 
fourteen of these wild raiders, howling and yelling and firing 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDEN. 337 

off their pistols in the most random fashion. The Missouri 
boys paused a moment, and instead of ffying before their ene- 
mies — a course they never took unlesi> it was absokitely neces- 
sary — deliberately faced their foes and resolved not to kill any 
of them at first, but just to give them a taste of their quality, 
and so they tired with that unerring aim that never seemed to 
fail; they fired four shots in rapid succession, and four of the 
drunken raiders fell to the ground, each with his right arm 
shattered and broken. The Mexicans, in a perfect terror of 
alarm, turned their horses and fled back in hot haste. 

Frank and Jesse could not resist the temptation of follow- 
ing. Shots were freely fired. Bullets rained upon them to 
their hearts' content. The brim of Frank's hat was ventilated 
by a shot which, coming with a little surer aim, might have 
ended Frank's career. They left two greasers dead upon the 
road, as indications of the sort of men they were. That night, 
as they were crossing a stream much swollen by the spring 
rains, they were surprised by a company of ten brigands in 
secret ambush on the other bank. Jesse was slightly wounded 
in the shoulder. The brothers charged into the hiding place 
of their foes, and gave them no quarter. The whole gang 
ficd save one, and he would have followed his companions, 
only that he lay dead among the bushes. So ended the brief 
visit of the brothers to the " Rogues' Meeting-Place " at 
Piedras Negras. 



CHAPTER XLVII. 
"SHOULD AULD ACQUAINTANCE BE FORGOT?" 

THE BOYS MEET WITH AN OLD COMPANION MEMORIES OF 

OTHER DAYS REVIVED THE FANDANGO AT MONTCLOVA 

MORE BLOODSHED A MIRACULOUS ESCAPE. 

"There was a sound of revelry bj night; 
***** 

And bright the lamps shone 
O'er fair women and brave men." 

Our heroes are still in Mexico. In the course of their 
travels they reached the city of Montclova, in the district of 
Coahuita, and here to their gladness and surprise they met an 
old friend and companion of their earlier days. It would 
serve no good purpose to mention the name of this gentleman 
in these pages, so we will call him Mr. Smith, and to distin- 
guish him from the great family of Smiths, we will give an 
aristocratic twist to his name and call him Mr. Smythe. The 
greeting of Mr. Smythe was most cordial and friendly. He 
gave his old-time friends the heartiest and warmest of wel- 
comes. Years had passed since they had last met, and these 
years had wrought many changes. Mr. Smythe, at the close 
of the war, turned away from the wild guerilla life that he 
had led, and settled down quietly to plain, hard, honest work. 
He found in Mexico a pleasant home, and soon won the re- 

33S 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



339 



spect of many people in Montclova and the district. As 
years passed on he wooed and won a Mexican damsel. 

"And thej two were wed, 
^ And merrily rang the bells, 

And merrily passed the years." 

Few positions could be more desirable than tUat Mr. 
Smythe had won for himself in Montclova. 

It was a very great but a very pleasant surprise to Mr. 
Smythe to meet his old friends, and though he had wholly 
abandoned that old wild life, it did not hinder him from giv- 
ing Frank and Jesse James a thorough, genial welcome for 
the days of " auld lang syne." He took them to his house 
and treated them as most honored guests. 

One of the Mexican methods of showing hospitality is by 
giving a semi-public reception or fandango in honor of their 
guests. One would have thought that the memory of the 
fandango at Matamoras would have made the boys a little 
cautious of any more experiences of the kind. But caution" 
was not their great point. And nothing would satisfy their 
old-time friend but that they must have a grand fandango. 
A very little prudence would have shown the folly of this 
course. There was a large reward offered for the boys by 
the authorities of Missouri, and Captain Macy stfll held Gov- 
ernor Pillsbury's offer good of one thousand dollars each for 
the capture of Frank and Jesse James. 

Spite of all this the fandango was arranged for, and with 
the night came the festival. The scene was most brilliant. 
A large number of guests accepted the invitation; the grace, 



340 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

and valor and beauty of Montclova society were present, for 
this old friend of the James Boys was very highly esteemed in 
the city. The host and hostess played their parts well, and 
were evidently delighted with the success of the entertain- 
ment. For a time all went well. The music rose and the 
music fell, and graceful forms glided on in the mazy dance. 
Amongst the guests were a young lieutenant of the Mexican 
army and an iVmerican gentleman from Matehuala. They 
of course knew that the fandango was given in honor of the 
two traveling friends of the host. No sooner had they set 
eyes on the two chief guests of the evening than they began 
to hold whispered conversations apart. This did not escape 
the quick eye of Jesse, who began to suspect that there was 
mischief in the air. From the moment Jesse's suspicions were 
aroused he watched these gentlemen narrowlv, and the result 
was that his suspicions were confirmed. 

Frank v/as enjoying himself in making love to a fair 
senorita, with little thought of any danger near, when Jesse 
managed to acquaint him with his thoughts. Frank took 
little heed of Jesse's words; he was too much absorbed in his 
pleasant occupation, and he thought Jesse was making too 
good use of a vivid imagination. 

But Jesse was not mistaken. It transpired that both these 
gentlemen owed the boys a serious grudge. One of them had 
lost a brother at the hands of the boys in 1865, and the other 
a very dear friend not more than a year before. They waited 
for a little time to make assurance doubly sure, and when 
they were convinced beyond a doubt that these honored 
guests were none other than the Missouri bandits, they quietly 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 34 



left the place of entertainment. Their departure was noticed 
by Jesse, who once more warned Frank to keep on the alert. 

The Lieutenant and his companion made their way directly 
to the barracks near the plaza, where a detachment of the 
Mexican army was stationed, and laying before the authori- 
ties their information, they soon persuaded the Colonel and 
Lieutenant-Colonel that they were on the track of the noto- 
rious outlaws. There was no time to waste. There was a 
reward of $50,000 for the capture of the bandits ; it was now 
or never. It was near midnight when orders were given for 
the arrest of the strangers. A guard and detachment of 
eighty men were immediately ordered out, and proceeded 
quietly to the scene of the festivities. 

The merriment was at its height, when suddenly the doors 
were thrown open, and without a moment's warning a stately 
military officer strode into the ball-room followed by a mili- 
tary guard. Their presence was the signal for the wildest 
consternation. The gallant hidalgos were annoyed at this 
unlooked-for interruption. The ladies were panic-stricken, 
and their fair faces blanched with fear. What could all this 
mean? The music was hushed, and for a moment there was 
an awful pause. The only calm and seemingly undisturbed 
people in that assembly were the two strangers in whose 
honor the assembly had gathered. 

The officer walked up briskly to Frank and Jesse, and in 
the name of the Mexican government demanded their surren- 
der. He expressed his sorrow at having to perform so un- 
pleasant a task under such circumstances, but he was a soldier 
and must obey orders. 



34^ OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

"Will you surrender? " he asked, for he saw a dangerows 
laugh rippling over the faces of the two brothers. 

" Never! " was the prompt but calm reply of Frank. 

With that the officer gave a signal to his guard to move up. 

'* Stop! " said Jesse, in a voice of stern command. 

The officer waved his hand for the guards to halt a mo- 
ment. That moment's halt cost him his life. 

' We have a proposition to submit ; will you hear it ? " 
continued Jesse. 

" If it means surrender, yes," replied the officer. 

" It is this," said Jesse; " allow these ladies to retire and 
we will discuss the matter with you." 

" I shall be compelled to take you by force," said the offi- 
cer, little dreaming how thoroughly prepared these men were 
for a bloody fray. 

As he talked of force, Jesse smiled a grim, sardonic smile. 
" Let the ladies retire, I say!" shouted Jesse, in a tone that 
betrayed his impatience. Jesse, with all his faults, was greatly 
averse to entering into a conflict in the presence of ladies. 
The ladies were greatly excited, and not knowing who these 
outlaws really were, they felt that this military invasion wa^ 
a shameful outrage, and it would have taken very little to have 
persuaded them to have flung themselves a fair bodyguard 
between the brothers and impending danger. For these 
young American gentlemen had been really so very entertain- 
ing all the evening. 

"Let the ladies retire, I sayl" shouted Jesse in tones of 
thundering command. The ball-room was immediately 
cleared of the fair Mexican ladies. An awful pause. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



343 



"Now," said the officer, " lay down your arms and sur- 
render. I assure you, resistance is utterly useless. You see I 
have an ample guard to enforce these orders. The house is 
surrounded ; you cannot escape. In the name of the Mexican 
government I command you to surrender." 

That w^as the officer's last command. Before the words 
had died in the air, he lay a corpse at Jesse's feet. Jesse's 
aim was always sure, and this time was quick and fatal. The 
officer fell dead without a groan. 

In the midst of the consternation the guard rushed forward 
to the aid of their fallen leader. But they rushed upon their 
own death. 

It was the time for action, and Frank and Jesse under- 
stood it well. One look at each other was enough; they 
each understood the sign. Their pistols flashed again. 

One, two, three! Short, sharp and quick, and the three 
soldiers who would have succored their chief lay bleeding tQ 
death at his side. 

The scene was ghastly and horrible. The warm life blood 
of the victims was flowing in streams about the floor, the 
guests were prralyzed with terror, and the rest of the guard 
became demoralized and fled. 

Frank and Jesse rushed into the street. The panic spread 
to the outside guards; they fii'ed, but fired only aimless and 
random shots. Frank and Jesse escaped with only a few 
scratches, and with a daring that seems almost demoniacal, 
they turned and charged the guard with their revolvers. The 
guard in abject terror fled for their lives, leaving Frank and 
Jesse masters of the situation. 



344 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

But the hunt was up. Montclova writhed in horror. 
The sleeping city was startled into wild excitement. The 
streets were thronged with bewildered men, women and cliil- 
dren, the alarm drums were beat at the barracks, the bells 
rang from the old church tower. The whole community was 
horrified. The wildest reports spread abroad. According 
to rumor all the ladies at the fandango had been remorselessly 
murdered in cold blood; the soldiers had been overpowered 
and murdered. Everywhere the wildest excitement pre- 
vailed. In the thick darkness of the night the whole military 
force of the city marched in line to the scene of the tragedy. 
But they were too late. Frank and Jesse had mounted their 
horses, and were galloping away with break -neck speed. 

The darkness was dense, and favored the fugitives; they 
escaped to the mountains, and there for a long time they 
remained in secret. Not until long after the affair did they 
venture out from their hiding place. 

They had had all the fandangos they wanted. Not that 
they blamed themselves in the Montclova matter in the least. 
They were never very much perturbed about the shedding ot 
blood, but in this case they felt that the conf.ict was none of 
tiieir seeking. And the wonder is, not that four men died as 
the result of the fray, but that the number was not much 
larger. In all their future wanderings Frank and Jesse James 
oave Montclova a verv wide berth. 



CHAPTER XLVIII. 

STILL AMONG THE MEXICANS. 

PALACIO'S BAND A DESPERATE STRUGGLE WITH CATTLE 

THIEVES DEAD GREASERS IN THE CACTUS PATCHES 

" FOOD FOR THE VULTURES " THE TRUSTY WINCHESTERS 

BACK TO THE PECOS VALLEY IN TRIUMPH. 

There were not sufficient banks and railroads in Mexico 
twenty years ago to make train and bank robbing a great 
success. But Mexico had her greasers and cattle thieves, and 
in the prosecution of various raids they were just as careless 
of human life as the train and bank robbers of the West. 
Amongst these wild hordes of cattle thieves was a band under 
the leadership of Juan Fernando Palacio, who rejoiced in the 
notoriety of being the most bloodthirsty and relentless of all 
that vile robber brood that infested Piedras Negras, Eagle 
Pass, Meir, and all the region lying on the banks of the Rio 
Grande. Palacio had been a fiiithful and reliable assistant 
of the once famous Cortinas, the " Robber Governor " of the 
State of Tamaulipas. His faithful servitude had fitted him 
admirably for the position of command, and now he found 
himself the trusted chieftain of a band of thirty wild, reckless 
men. 

The vallc}' of the Pecos was rich and well watered, and 
the flocks and herds grew and thnved in rich abundance. In 
this quiet valley Frank and Jesse James were living in qui- 

345 



34^ 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



«tude, and were fast gathering wealth from their industrious 
management of their ranche. Palacio was resolved to mak»t 
ii clean sweep of this quiet valley. He thought himself equal 
to the task of utterly discomfiting the " cow boys," as he sneer- 
ingly designated the dwellers in the Pecos. But he reck- 
oned without his host, as he soon found to his cost. 

It was the autumn of 1877, and Palacio called to his aid 
a noted and daring murderer who rejoiced in the name of 
Jams Almonte. This notorious outlaw led on a raid in which 
three " cow boys " were killed on various ranches, and their 
cattle driven across the Rio Grande. This raid had been 
accomplished mainly by forced night marches. During the 
daytime they would take shelter in some lone chapparal,* 
and then as night came on would march on silently and 
unseen. 

In this raid Frank and Jesse's cattle had been stolen, and 
they were the last men in the world to sit down quietly under 
such a humiliating insult. It was a dangerous thing to make 
enemies of these old guerillas of Missouri. Their plans 
were soon completed. They were soon on Palacio' s trail. 
On a quiet evening in October they came to El Paso. It was 
quiet and peaceful. The robbers had passed through the 
village and were on their way to a place of shelter. They 
made their way to a patch of chapparal, in the valley of an 
affluent of the Rio Pecos. Here they felt secure and went 
to sleep in fancied safety. But their sleep was brief and 
troubled. They had left their trail for three miles or more 
on the sand, and Frank and Jesse had followed up the scent 
«agerly and surely. They reached the camp of the sleepers, 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. ^ .- 



and taking in the whole situation, prepared for instant action. 
Their policy was that of quick surprise, and quicker action, 
without a thought of quarter. Suddenly their pistol shots 
rang out in the early morning air, dealing out death and 
destruction before the greasers were wide awake enough to 
reach out for their weapons. Dazed and bewildered, the 
Mexican outlaws thought themselves surrounded by a vast 
horde of avenging foemen, and in their consternation took to 
flight. The pistols of Frank and Jesse kept up a quick, 
sharp fire, and one after another the flying raiders fell before 
their unerring aim. Such as were successful in escaping, fled 
to the mountains in sheer alarm, and so saved their miserable 
lives. The robbers fled and left all their spoils behind them. 
Ten robbers lay stark and dead amongst the cactus patches, 
and others fell in unknown places. 

The corral was immediately broken up, and the boys turned 
the vast herds of cattle homeward. 

Palacio and Almonte were not with the camp when the 
James Boys so unceremoniously disturbed its quiet. When the 
tidings reached them they concluded that their ill-fated follow- 
ers must have been, assailed by a large company of " Grino 
Diablos'''' or avengers from the Pecos Valley. When they 
learned that all this rout and slaughter had been effected by 
two men only, they were furious, and swore by all their gods 
they would be avenged. They were stung and humiliated at 
the thought of such a shameful defeat. 

They quickly organized a band of twenty-five, and set out 
in pursuit of our heroes, who had headed the cattle home- 
ward. Such a daring deed had never been heard of, and 



348 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

come what would, they would be even with them. They 
boasted of what they would do when they caught them. 
But the old advice is always good — "First catch your hare 
and then cook it." 

On they journeyed, and at last came in sight of the vast 
herds of cattle moving slowly backward to their homes. It 
was toward evening when the Mexicans came in sight of 
their prey. They did not venture an immediate attack, but 
after a brief council, five men were detailed to capture and 
make a full end of the daring "cow boys" from the Pecos 
Valley. 

The Boys had certain faithful and reliable allies in the 
shape of long-range Winchester rifles. No sooner did the 
pursuing Mexicans come in sight, than Frank and Jesse 
detached their rifles from their fastenings, and each one 
singling out his man, fired; instantly two of the greasers fell 
to the ground. Their comrades seeing their fate, turned like 
cowards and fled, but Frank and Jesse followed; fastening 
their reins between their teeth, they gave chase. Two more 
of the five fell dead, and one only escaped to the summit of 
the hill. 

Jesse, not quite content, proposed to ride to the ridge of the 
hill "just to see what those other devils were about." For 
that there were "other devils" on their track, he did not doubt 
for a moment. Arrived at the summit he saw fifteen of these 
enraged Mexicans coming up the hill. 

"Come along, you devils!" he cried in wild derision, "I'm 
waiting for you." 

With that he leveled his trustv Winchester ag-ain and 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. ^^t^ 



emptied one more of the Mexicans' saddles. The raiders 
fired back, but their balls fell short. 

"Again, again, again, 

And the havoc did not slack." 

Three more of the fierce pursuers fell dead from their 
horses, and one of the fiery mustangs shared its rider's fate. 
By this time Frank reached the brow of the hill just in time 
to see the balance of that valiant host beat a hasty retreat. 

"How many are down?" asked Frank. 

"Oh! only four men and a horse," answered Jesse, with a 
grim smile. 

"That's business," said Frank. 

"Yes, I guess I've given the vultures a feast for one night, 
anyhow," responded Jesse. 

The boys rested for a little and began to talk of their next 
move. For after all, these Mexicans might have fled only to 
secure increased forces, and what they most feared was a night 
attack, for these greasers had the reputation of being devils 
to fight by night, and they had these great herds of cattle to 
take care of, and they were in no way disposed to leave the 
cattle, after all the hard fighting they had gone through. 

As they sat on their horses debating the state of affairs, they 
remembered they were a good hundred miles away from any 
available help. The sun was just beginning to set, when the 
quick eye of Frank discerned something in the far distance. 

"See," said Frank, "what is that in the distance.? Is it a 
herd of buffaloes, or are they men on horseback.'* What do 
vou think?" 



330 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



Fortunately they had a good field glass with them ; after 
careful scrutiny, Jesse concluded they were mounted men. 

"Texans, Mexicans, Lipans or Comanches? Which do 
you say?" asked Frank. 

Whoever and whatever they were, they were more than 
two miles away, and it seemed to be by the merest chance 
that either Frank or Jesse had caught sight of them. But 
then "fortune favors the brave." Their look was long and 
careful. At last Jesse broke out : 

"Soldiers !-^And Federal soldiers at that! By the Eternal! 
Well, I've seen the time when I wouldn't have cared to meet 
a company like that, but I'm confoundedly glad they've- 
come this way to-night. You are welcome, my gallant 
braves. I shall get a nap in peace to-night, after all." 

It was agreed that Jesse should ride forward and inform the 
officer in command of the shameful conduct of Palacio's 
band. He spurred his horse forward. The Mexican raiders 
who lay in ambush, probably divining Jesse's purpose, fled as 
quickly as their mustangs would bear them away. 

The soldiers Frank and Jesse saw in the distance, proved 
to be a detachment of McKenzie's command. With some 
little exaggeration, and with the air of a greatly wronged and 
injured man who desired to live at peace with all men, Jesse 
detailed the shameless conduct of these Mexican ruffians, 
upon hearing which the cavalry followed them in hot 
pursuit. 

The boys were now left in undisputed^charge of the cattle, 
and wended their way in peace to the Pecos Valley. On 
arriving there, thev returned the cattle to their various own- 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



35 



ers, telling their own tale as to the means and modes they 
had put in operation. The brothers were henceforth regarded 
all through that region of country as heroes and gentlemen. 
They were the redressers of wrongs, they were the avengers 
of a vile robber brood. And so the terrors of Missouri were 
the pride of the Valley of Pecos. 




CHAPTER XLIX. 

A BRIEF BUT ROMANTIC CHAPTER. 

BASTENADO AND HIS TRIBE— THE FAIR ALICE GORDON — 
FRANK AND JESSE TO THE RESCUE AN EARLY BREAK- 
FAST DISTURBED ALICE GORDON RESCUED-BASTENADO 

KILLED BACK TO THE PECOS VALLEY 

Frank and Jesse James were not oniy gattienng fame and 
honor amongst their Texan friends, but they were fast 
coming to be regarded as protectors of the Pecos Valley. 
The robbers and greasers the other side of the Rio Grande 
would think twice before they ventured too near the men 
who had given them such unmistakable evidences of their 
skill and bravery. 

Beside all this, they were gradually acquiring wealth. 
Whatever they did they did with their whole hearts, and there 
can be little doubt that if they had devoted themselves thor- 
oughly to the raising of cattle they might soon have acquired 
in a legitimate way more solid wealth than all their nefarious 
practices ever brought them. They kept their property well 
in charge. Their ranche was the envy of many who had been 
much longer at the work than they had. Their horses were 
especially their pride and delight. Of all the animals that 
ever went into Noah's Ark, or ever came out of that very 
remarkable old vessel, the horse is amongst the most beautiful- 
It must have been the sight of the graceful curving neck of the 

35^ 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 353 

fiery steed that gave Hogarth the happy thought that " a curve 
is the perfect Hne of beauty." Horses, Hke children, are very 
sensitive to kindness, and Frank and Jesse were both passion- 
ately fond of their horses. All along either side of the Rio 
Grande there were no horses to compare with those of the 
brave. boys of the Pecos. 

It was no uncommon thing in those days for Frank and 
Jesse to take long journeys from home. Their absence caused 
no surprise. It was quite common in those regions ten years 
ago for men to wander widely from home. And Frank and 
Jesse were no exceptions to the rule. 

Returning home after one of these absences they were 
met with quite a romantic story, that opened the door to a 
still wider romance. 

Another band of Mexican robbers under the lead of the 
infamous Bastenado, had crossed the Rio Grande and had 
made a very successful night raid on the herdsmen of fhe 
valley. The operations of Bastenado had been swift and 
well-managed, and he and his folio wei-s were fast making 
their way to the river. The river once crossed, they would 
be comparatively safe. But there's many a slip between the 
cup and the lip. There was " one more river to cross," but 
most of this brood were doomed to leave their rotting carcasses 
on the Texan side of the Rio Grande. The element of ro- 
mance in this raid was the fact that the robbers had borne 
away with them, in their rough captivity, Alice Gordon, the 
pride and beauty of the vale. 

All the valley was in wild consternation at this brutal out- 
rage; the most dreadful and diabolical things were imagined. 
23 



354 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

Alice was the sole comfort and stay of her aged father. Old 
Gordon was a crabbed old Scotchman. He had fallen on 
evil times in the East and the loss of his " siller " had soured 
him. He had sought the quietude of the plains, where he 
might be away from the scene of his disasters, and grumble 
away to his heart's content. The only pleasant feature of the 
old Scotchman's home was the genial face and kindly, grace- 
ful manners of his only daughter Alice. She was the charm 
of his household; and the old man's grumbling was forgotten 
in the bright smiles and merry laughter of the winsome Alice. 
Besides the Scotchman and his daughter, there was a devoted 
negro boy named Joe, who had an uncommonly easy lime of 
it. He bore the constant complainings of his old master 
patiently, and what he lacked in reverence for him, he made 
up in worship of his daughter. He thought if ever there was 
a human angel in a pink dress and a straw hat, it was Alice 
Gordon. And it must be confessed that Joe's estimate was 
generally shared by the people of the valley. 

The news that Bastenado and his accursed band had not 
only robbed the ranches of their cattle, but had borne Alice 
: nd Joe away into captivity, spread like wild-fire. The only 
consolatory point in the whole affair was the fact that the rob- 
bers had taken Joe along with them. What motive they 
could have in this course, it was hard to tell. But there was 
one grain of comfort in the fact, for every one felt that while 
Joe lived, little harm could come to Alice. 

When Frank and Jesse returned home the fever was at 
blood heat. The people were organizing a pursuit. The 
coming of the brothers was a great relief. They felt sure that 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 355 

they would know what was best to be done. Frank and Jesse 
had no time to give advice, much less to stop and organize. 
They looked well to their guns,mounted their horses, and were 
soon far away in hot pursuit of the robbers. The knights 
of old were not more gallant than these warriors of the Texan 
plains. 

Early on the morning of the third day they came upon 
the whole company. It needed wisdom as well as bravery 
in this crisis. A rash and untimely onslaught might endanger 
the life of Alice, and to save her was the first and chief end 
of their enterprise. So they took in the whole situation. 

The robbers were enjoying an early breakfast, when the 
boys, unseen, first espied them. It was indeed a pretty pas- 
toral scene. Just such a scene as an artist would love to sketch. 
The cattle were slacking their thirst at a little stream. The 
robbers were enjoying themselves most heartily, laughing 
and joking, and making the hillsides echo with their merri- 
ment. A little distance from this group of greasers, Alice 
Gordon sat, wearied and sad, and with a look of blank de- 
spair clouding her fair face. Her faithful servant, Joe, was 
vainly imploring her to take something to eat. Jesse's eyes 
flashed fire; the swift compression of his lips revealed that 
the pitiful face of the captive, Alice, had inspired him with 
fresh daring. 

But the situation was most serious. Here were thirty 
armed bravadoes, and only six men had followed Frank and 
Jesse on the perilous task of recapture. Eight against thirty! 
But if hell had gaped between him and Alice, Jesse would 
have made a dash for Alice. 



35^ OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

The command was given into the hands of Jesse. His 
little company put their reins between their teeth, and with a 
loaded revolver in each hand, each man picked out his man. 
A wild yell from Jesse was the sign for action. The eight 
men sprang on the astonished greasers. The firing was quick 
and sharp, and in less time than it takes to tell, half the rob- 
ber brood was killed. The rest, horrified and alarmed, made 
for their horses and fled, supposing themselves to be thor- 
oughly surrounded. The dastardly Bastenado led the retreat, 
and as he gained his horse, he turned and aimed his pistol at 
Alice Gordon, who had fainted at the terrible scene. But 
Jesse was too quick for him, and before he had time to fire 
he sent a bullet through his craven heart, and Bastenado fell 
dead on his horse's neck. 

Six only of that wild band escaped to tell their Mexican 
comrades across the Rio Grande of the fury of those Texan 
devils on the other side the Rio Grande. 

The cattle were headed homeward, and the return to 
the Gordon ranche was quite a triumphal procession. Poor 
Joe was beside himself with joy, and mixed piety and pro- 
fanity in a strange manner. 

" You jes bet," he said, " I kep my sight open all de time, 
cause I felt in my bones de Lord would deliber us from dem 
dam Mexican rascals." 

Joe had never left Alice's side for a moment during their 
captivity. 

At last the home of Alice was reached, and poor old 
Gordon said that now he had got Alice safe and sound back 
again, he'd never grumble any more. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



357 



Frank and Jesse were the heroes of the hour. Their gal- 
lant exploits were trumpeted through all the quiet valley, 
and it was very well understood for years after that in that 
region of country, " No greasers need apply." 




CHAPTER L. 

A BIG TIME AT BIG SPRINGS THE STOCKMEN IN CAMP 

AT OGALLALA $100,000 HAUL THE RED BANDANAS 

LEACH ON THE SEARCH ARREST AND DEATH OF JIM 

BERRY THE MYSTERIOUS UNKNOWN. 

The scene changes. We leave behhid the quiet valley of. 
the Pecos, the land of the pampas and the Aztecs, and come 
once more within the range of busy, bustling civilized life. 

Big Springs is the name of a railroad station situated 
about twent3^-three miles west of Ogallala, between Keith 
and Cheyenne counties, Nebraska. This quiet little spot is 
chiefly noted for its fine mineral springs, from which it 
receives its name. Big Springs became suddenly notorious. 
It was the scene of the most successful of all the train rob- 
beries ever attempted. This robbery took place on the night 
of the 17th of September, 1877. The train came from the 
Pacific slope. The robbers had evidently become jDOssessed, 
in some unaccountable manner, of the information that this 
particular train was to carry a large amount of money. As 
a matter of fact the safe in the express car contained $63,000 
in gold belonging to Wells, Fargo & Co. Besides all this, 
the Union Pacific express not infrequently brings along a 
large number of the wealthy class; and if a train is to be 
robbed, the richer the passengers, the greater the chance of 
costly spoils. 

358 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 359 

No sooner had the ill-fated train come to a stand-still on 
the night in question than a band of seven men, their heads 
enveloped in red bandana pocket-handkerchiefs, and each 
with a loaded revolver in his hand, boarded the train. The 
first step they took was to guard the engineer, and under 
assurance of instant death if he moved, keep him quiet. 
Another portion of the gang went to the express car. They 
got possession of the safe, and cleared it of all its valuable 
contents, including the $62,000 above referred to. This booty 
secured, and placed in a sack, the robbers completed their 
work by going through the train, crying : 

" Hold up ! Hold up ! Any resistance will be punished 
with instant death." 

The affrighted passengers thought wisdom the better part 
of valor, and valuing their lives as of greater worth than 
all their possessions, they yielded. If a passenger showed 
any sign of opposition, a shot fired up at the roof of the car, 
or through the open window, gave evidence that the robbers 
meant business, and was sufficient to bring the objector to 
his senses. Happily no lives were sacrificed on this occasion. 
Albeit, the robbers must have made a haul of close upon 
$100,000, beside valuables in the shape of jewelry and the 
like. When the robbers had perfected their work, they rode 
away silently over the plains, and left the train to proceed on 
its course. 

The news of the robbery spread with great rapidity, and 
caused wide-spread consternation and alarm. Nervous peo- 
ple began to feel, as well they might, that traveling was a 
very dangerous experiment, especially in this district. In the 



360 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 

old (lays, the Quakers of Philadelphia used to make their 
wills when they contemplated a journey to New York. And 
it was fast coming to this, that men would prefer to go any 
journey by land or sea, rather than a journey through this 
bandit-infested country. 

A vigorous effort was set on foot to find out, if possible, 
the perpetrators of this shameful outrage. There were seven 
men in the raid, and each man had on a red bandana hand- 
kerchief, hiding his face. That was all that was known. 
Not much of a clue, to be sure; but deep-laid conspiracies 
have often been traced to their sources from less definite 
hints. 

It transpired that two days before the raid of the train at 
Big Springs, a party of seven men, purporting to be " stock- 
men" on their way from the Texan plains to the markets of 
Chicago and cities further east, encamped in the immediate 
neighborhood of Ogallala. It was now September, and they 
spoke of their intention to drive their herds onward, so that 
they might get through with their business, and then return 
to Texas in time for the spring trade. As it afterward 
turned out, this band of so-called " stockmen " was composed 
of confirmed bandits and robbers. Amongst the rest there 
were Jim Berry, of Portland, Callaway county, Missouri, 
an old-time guerilla of Anderson's days, who was often 
spoken of as the " best man in Callaway." Besides Berry 
there were Jack Davis, of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Billy HefF- 
ridge, a Pennsylvanian of bad repute; Jim Collins, of Brule, 
a well-known Texan desperado, and the notorious Sam Bass. 
Here were five out of the seven, but who were the other two.^* 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 361 

A very simple circumstance connects these " stockmen " 
with the raiders of the train at Big Springs. One day, just 
before the robbery, some of the cattlemen came into Ogallala, 
and visited the chief village store, which was then kept by 
Mr. M. F. Leach, a man of some considerable insight into 
character, as the sequel proved. Amongst the visitors to the 
store was Jim Berry, who purchased a number of red ban- 
dana pocket handkerchiefs. Of course there was nothing 
very remarkable in this; greasers were accustomed to buying 
this particular kind of dry goods, just as butchers used to be 
to the traditional blue apron. But the bandanas came at 
last to bear most damning testimony against the assumed 
"stockmen." 

After the robbery the whole region of Big Springs, 
Brule and Ogallala were on the alert. Mr. Leach no sooner 
heard that the robbers wore bandana masks, than he imme- 
diately thought of the hard-looking crowd that had made 
their purchases at his store. Mr. Leach, who had done a 
little in the detective line in his time, was not slow to seize 
the clue these remembrances suggested. As if crime must 
leave its footprints behind it, a remnant of one of the bandanas 
was left at Big Springs. Mr. Leach was sure it was a piece 
of the identical goods he had sold a few days before. Leach 
was now employed to follow the robbers. He had no sooner 
started out than he met Jim Berry, who said in a half-banter- 
ng tone: 

" Well, are you going out after those fellows?" 

" Yes," said Leach, " that's exactly what I'm after." 

*• I wonder what they would give me to go along with 



362 OUTI.AWS OF THE BORDER. 

you. I guess I might be of some service to you," said Jim, 
in reply. 

Leach was on his guard, and told Jim that he could make 
no definite promise, but he was sure of one thing, that he 
would receive a very liberal compensation for any service he 
rendered. 

The " stockmen" did not desert their camps near Ogallala 
until two days after the robbery. Leach's curiosity led him 
to go and view the deserted camp, and there he found a piece 
of a torn bandana that exactly corresponded with the piece 
found at Big Springs. Leach was now sure of his men, and 
set after them in real eainest. He came so near on one occa- 
sion that he saw them count the money and divide the spoils. 
He st-nt forward to Fort Hayes for military help, feeling sure 
the robbers v/cre heading for Buffalo, Grove county, Kansas. 
At Buffalo the soldiers and some of the robbers had a sharp 
tussle, and Billy Heffridge and Jim Collins were killed. 

Jim Berry's fate was a sad one; but he had only his folly 
to blame for it. After some little time he mode his appear- 
ance at Mexico, Audrain county, Missouri. He had been out 
in the Black Hills, he said, and he began showing a very 
large number of twenty dollar gold pieces. This aroused 
suspicion, which, however, might never have gone beyond 
suspicion had not Jim taken to drinking. "When the wine 's 
in, the wit 's out." Some of Berry's old pals were pressed 
into the service of search, and it was mainly through the use 
they made of Bose Kazy that he was caught. 

On Saturday evening, Oct. 14, 1877, within a month of 
the Big Springs robbery, Berry was taken by Sheriff Glas- 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



3^3 



cock. He was fairly trapped into the woods, and the sheriff 
gave this command: 

" Boys, if you see him, halt him ; if he shows fight, shoot 
him; if he runs, shoot him in the legs. Catch him at all 
hazards." 

So the net was drawn round " the best man in Callaway." 
After a long ambush, Berry came in sight. Glascock fired 
but missed him. The next charge sent seven buckshot into 
Berry's left leg. Jim was brought to bay, and in an agony 
of pain implored his enemies to kill him outright. 

Glascock gave no heed to this request, but ordered that 
Berry be carefully searched. The result of the search was 
astonishing. His belt was found to contain five $500 pack- 
ages of gold. His pocket-book contained $304. In all there 
were $2,804, beside a large quantity of jewelry on his person. 
After the search. Berry was removed to Bose Kazy's house, 
and a physician was sent for. 

Next morning Sheriff Glascock and John Carter went to 
the house of Berry, thinking they would find more money, or 
at least that they would be able to learn something from 
Mrs. Berry. 

But Mrs. Berry was a match for them, for a time at least. 
She would know nothing. Had not seen him for several 
days. Thought most likely he had left the country. Was 
in fact expecting to hear from him every day. At last the 
sheriff pulled out the watch he had taken from the wounded 
man, and asked her if she knew that. Before she had time 
to reply, the little girl that was clinging in terror to her side, 
cried out; 



3^4 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 



"Why, that's papa's watch! " 

The sight of the watch was enough. The whole story 
was now plain to her; Jim was arrested. She listened to the 
whole story of his capture. 

"And so you say Jim's taken!" said Mrs. Berry. "Poor 
Jim, poor Jim, I never thought he would be taken alive, 
never! never!" and with that she burst into passionate tears. 

"But tell me where he is," she added, "for I know he wants 
me now, poor Jim! poor Jim!" 

With all possible speed Mrs. Berry hastened to the bedside 
of her suffering husband. The wounds soon became danger- 
ous, gangrene set in, and on the Tuesday evening after his 
arrest, he died. His last hours were cheered by the tender 
ministries of love. His faithful wife never left his side, but 
soothed and cheered him to the last. His life had been a 
rough, sad life, but it closed in great peace and calm. 

Of the seven men who robbed the train at Big Springs, 
four came to an untimely death in a short space of time. The 
name of the seventh has never been divulged. Was it Jesse 
James ? A thousand hints point in that direction, but they are 
only hints at best. 



CHAPTER LI. 

A PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOME OF THE BANDITS CURIOSIT-Y 

ABOUT THB PRIVATE LIVES OF THE NOTORIOUS A YOUNG 

GEORGIAN YEARNS FOR A SIGHT OF THE BOYS A WEARY 

PILGRIMAGE WELL REWARDED. 

There is nothing more natural on the part of curious people 
than a desire to know some of the inner life and private 
habits of public men. The smallest detail is enough to give 
very considerable satisfaction. You may enjoy the friendship 
of a policeman, but you never know him as you ought till 
you have seen him in plain clothes. You may be on friendly 
terms with a person, but you can never be said to know much 
about him, or to be really intimate with him till you have 
seen him in his shirt sleeves. The more popular or notorious 
the man, the more curiosity desires to peep behind the scenes. 
It is not to be wondered at that morbid curiosity longed to 
know something of the inner life of Frank and Jesse James. 
But the secrets of their private lives have been well kept. 
The ubiquitous, and generally irresistible newspaper reporter — 
to whom modern society is indebted for more lies than 
counted — has shown a subtle wisdom by keeping clear of the 
renowned outlaws. Not that the average newspaper inter- 
viewer is not brave and bold, not to say most annoyingly 
impudent, but he is wise as well as persistent; he knows a 
line must be drawn somewhere, and he prudently draws a 



366 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

line at such men as Frank and Jesse James. It would be 
Interesting to know something of the home-life of the boys, 
but then it must be remembered that during a large portion 
of their history they had very little home-life. The caves 
and rocks and wild woods of Kentucky and Missouri and the 
Indian Territory, sheltered them. They were for years 
wanderers on the face of the earth. And even when they 
seemed disposed to give up their wandering career, they found 
that no settled place was long safe. All guesses about their 
private life are just guesses, and nothing more. And yet 
their frequent visits to the old homestead and their evident 
warm and filial attachment to their mother, Mrs. Samuels, 
goes to prove that they were by no means devoid of the social 
instinct. And had they been born under happier stars, had 
their young days been surrounded by more genial and kindly 
associations, they would in all probability have turned out 
peaceable, home-loving men. 

They were moreover, men of marked reticence. They 
knew how to keep their own counsel, and even their most 
intimate allies and associates knew comparatively little of their 
private life. They never wanfed for friends, but they did 
not choose to wear their hearts upon their sleeves for every 
passing man to peck at. 

A story of some romantic interest is told of a young 
Georgian, who was smitten with strong ambition to become 
personally acquainted with the T:,rnes Boys. Spite of the 
earnest entreaties of his friends, he determined to find out the 
rebels at whatever cost. It was his good fortune to know an 
intimate friend of the boys, who was persuaded after a good 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



367 



deal of pleading to give the young Georgian a letter of intro- 
duction to Frank and Jesse. Armed with this passport to 
their favor he set out to visit them in their Texan home. A 
description of the route w^as given him, and a minute 
portraiture of the personal appearance of the bandits. 

As the story goes, the young adventurer found the journey 
long and irksome, and he seems to have been more than once 
on the point of giving up his fool-hardy enterprise. For it 
wrould seem that he had no motive in the w^orld but to satisfy 
a morbid desire to see these renowned desperadoes. 

One lovely afternoon, worn out with fatigue and almost 
ready to abandon his search, he crossed a narrow stream and 
urged his way to the summit of an adjacent hill, when to his 
surprise, and not a little to his terror, he saw two well-mounted, 
well-armed horsemen approaching him at rapid rate. He 
confessed to feeling not a little "shaky" as he saw that each 
rider had a repeating-rifle swung to his shoulder, and a holster 
swinging from his saddle-bow. 

"I'm in for it now, sure enough," he said to himself as the 
riders drove on apace, and he began to curse his folly and 
wish himself back in Georgia. 

"Up with your hands!" shouted one of the riders, as he 
came within hailing distance. 

Up went the young Georgian's hands without a moment's 
delay. He had no thought that these were the men he had 
been seeking, but thought they were highwaymen of the 
district. 

"What are you doing here?" asked one of the riders, in a 
surly, ominous tone of voice. 



368 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 

For a moment the young man turned deadly pale, then 
thinking that the best way was to be frank and open, even 
with such desperate-looking men, he said with a good deal of 
timidity in his voice: 

"lam seeking Mr. Harold Johnson and his brother,"-which 
was the assumed name of the boys — "I have a message for 
Mr. Johnson here with me now from an old friend." 

"What in hell do you know about Mr. Johnson?" said 
the foremost rider, who proved to be Frank James. 

"I have never seen the gentleman in my life, but I have a 
great desire to see him and his brother," answered the 
affrighted youth. 

"When were you last in St. Louis.?" asked Frank. 

"I have not been in St. Louis for five years," was the 
answer. 

Frank and Jesse were both on the alert, and one after 
another they fired sharp, short questions at the young man. 

"Do you come from Chicago?" asked Jesse. 

"No, I never was in Chicago in my life," was the reply. 

"Do you know Allan Pinkerton?" was the next question. 

"No, I do not," was the answer. 

"Well, where in thunder do you hail from?" was Frank's 
impatient question. 

"I come from Georgia," said the youth, "and I have a letter 
from Colonel Albison, for Mr. Harold Johnson ; do you know 
him, or could you kindly direct me to him ?" 

" You can give me the message and I will see he gets it," 
said Frank. 

" But I want to see him myself," was the response. " I 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 369 

have come a long way on purpose to see him and his brother, 
and I don't want to go back without seeing the two brothers." 

" Do you know, young man, you are running that nose of 
yours into a good deal of danger? You had better be very 
careful how you act. Remember you are in Texas, not in 
Georgia." 

Meantime Jesse had held the young man under cover of 
his pistol, and no doubt at the first sign from Frank would 
have fired, and thus have brought the young Georgian's 
adventure to a sudden close. 

" I wish you would read this letter which I have brought," 
said the youth, for by this time it began to dawn upon him 
that he had found the objects of his search. 

Jesse took the offered letter and read it carefully. As he 
read his countenance changed, and passing it to Frank, said: 
" I guess this is all right, old man." 

" So you are a relation of Colonel Albison, are you?" 

" I am," the young man replied, considerably relieved by 
the turn affairs had taken. 

"And so you are very anxious to see the James Boys, are 
you?" said Frank. " Well, I must say you are rather plucky. 
Most people would rather not see those very mteresting 
young gentlemen, but What there is left of the James Boys 
you see before you. But you must clearly understand that 
we are the only men who are properly qualified to carry fire- 
arms in this district, so you had better hand over yours to our 
care till you are quite ready to return. You see, young man, 
this is a very wicked world; so wicked that we can't trust 
anybody." 

24 



370 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 



The young man had only one pistol, which he at once 
gave into the hand of Frank, who put it into his belt after a 
moment's examination. 

" So you wanted to feast your eyes on the notorious out- 
laws," said Jesse, with a smile. " Well, what do you think of 
us? Ain't you a little disappointed? You see we are a good 
deal like most other men. We don't wear horns and we 
haven't split feet, and we don't spout fire and brimstone, as 
you have no doubt been led to understand. We've had a 
hard time of it. We have been hunted from State to State, 
and have been shamefully wronged and abused. I tell you 
it's a pretty hard life, young man." 

On the invitation of Frank the young adventurei* was 
invited to Frank's home, for Jesse and his family were only 
visiting with Frank. The home of the elder bandit was 
really a very desirable abode. It was beautifully situated 
near a large grove, to which at a moment's notice it would 
have been easy for the inmates of the house to escape and find 
ambush and shelter. 

Arrived at the house, our young hero was cordially wel- 
comed by Frank's wife. But of the private inner life of that 
strange home he has nothing to tell. The boys were not 
communicative. They had few questions to ask. And to all 
questions asked of them they gave the briefest answers. 

The young Georgian had gained his point. He had seen 
the brothers. But that was all. He had learned little or 
nothing of their private home life. For even with their most 
trusted and confidential friends the boys were generally on 
their guard. 



CHAPTER LII. 

LITERARY REMAINS OF JESSE JAMES. 

RETICENCE IN SPEECH AND WRITING LETTERS REVEAL 

THE AUTHOR JESSe's PRIVATE LETTERS LETTERS TO 

THE NASHVILLE BANNER LETTERS TO THE KANSAS CITY 

TIMES. 

There may seem something rather out of place In speak- 
ing of the " Hterary remains " of an outlaw. But as a matter 
of fact there are few things of more importance in the sum- 
miiig up of a man's character than the letters he writes. To 
a very great extent a man writes himself in his letters. 
Words have a tolerably fixed meaning, and down in black 
and white they remain, to-day and to-morrow, and the next 
day the same. A good handful of genuine letters of Frank 
and Jesse James would go farther toward helping to a real 
understanding of their character than all that has been 
written. 

But the boys, who were reticent in speech, were much 
more careful in the matter of writing. They knew that 
word? might die in the air, but anything written might live to 
an inconvenient old age. Hence they were not much given 
to the use of pen and ink. 

There are, however, a few letters extant written by Jesse 
James, and though they are not of any great value as throw- 
ing light upon the devious career of their author, they will 



372 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

be read with all the more interest now that his wayward, 
troubled life is ended. The letters are here inserted, with 
such notes and comments as may serve to make them some- 
what intelligible. 

LETTER I. 

This letter is sent from Texas, and was sent to a " friend " 
in Missouri, who was not without very considerable influence 
in Clay county. Its purpose is clear upon the face of it. The 
wanton murder of Mr. Askew had created a very bitter feel- 
ing throughout the whole neighborhood. And this letter 
was intended, no doubt, to give some one who had a good 
name in the neighborhood the authority to deny Jesse's com- 
plicity in the said affair. The attempt to throw the blame of 
this murder on Pinkerton's men was useless. Pinkerton's 
men could have had no motive in the world for murdering 
the worthy old gentleman. Jesse here makes a mistake as 
to the date. But the mistake is shrewdly made. Very 
likely he was in Texas in May, but Askew was murdered in 
April. Here follows the letter: 

CoMMANCHE, Texas, June loth. 
Dear Jim: 

I hear they are making a great fuss about old Dan Askew, and say 
the James Boys done the killing. It's one of old Pink's lies, circulated 
by his sneaks. I can prove that I was in Texas, at Dallas, on the 12th 
of May, when the killing was done. Several persons of the highest 
respectability know that I could not have been in Clay county, Missouri, 
at that time. I might name a numb.-r who could swear to this, wnose 
word would be taken anywhere. It's my opinion Askew was killed by 
Jack Ladd and some of Pinkerton's men. But no meanness is ever done 
now but the Jatnes Boys must bear the blame for it. This is like the 



OUTLAWS OP THE BORDER. 



373 



balance of the lies they tell a'^^ut me and my brother. I wish you would 
correct the lies the Kansas City papers have printed about the shooting 
of old Askew, and obligt- 

Youi s faithfully, 

Jesse. 

LETTER II. 

This note is very characteristic. It does not require very 
much reading between the Hnes. The underHned words 
make the purport of the letters very plain. It was a queer 
kind of " cattle " the boys were waiting to drive. 

Ft. Worth, March loth, 1877. 

Dear r- : 

The beeves will soon be ready. As s )on as the roads dry up, and 
the streains run down, we will drive. We expect to take a good bunch 
of cattle in. You may look out. There will be plenty of bellowing after 
the drive. Remember, it is business. The range is good, I learn, be- 
tween Sidney and Dead wood. We may go to pasture somewhere in that 
region. You will hear of it. Tell Sam to come to Honey Grove, Texas 
before the drive season comes. There's money in the stock. 

As ever, Jesse J. 

LETTER III. 

This letter was found in Colorado, and is purported 
to have been dropped by one of Jesse James' warmest allies. 
There is very httle reason to doubt its authority. It speaks 
for itself, and represents how calmly and coolly Jesse looked 
upon that terrible raid of Palacio's band. It was certainly a 
rather cahii way of describing that unequal combat, to call it 
t' a little fun." 

Rest Ranch, Texas, Jan. 23. 
Dear Jack: 

We had a little fun on the other side of the line lately. A lot of 
Greasers came over and broke up several ranches. Some of us were 



374 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

down that way, and the " cow-boys" wanted us to help them, and we 
done it. Some of our ca?ttle had been taken, and I don't owe the yellow- 
legsanytliing good, anyhow. Well, we left some half a dozen or more for 
carrion-bird meat. We brought the cattle back. I was confounded glad 
we met some cavalry out after raiders. There was a big lot of them 
motley scamps,and we would have had a pretty rough time,I expect. But 
the sneaks got back as fast as they could. You would have enjoyed the 
racket. As ever yours, J. W. J. 

LETTER IV. 

Letter four is the last of the personal letters to hand, 
although there can he no douht that it would be comparative- 
ly easy to gather a large correspondence together now. The 
following letter is vouched for by Marshal James Liggett, 
who knew Jesse and his handwritnig quite well. The letter 
is without date, but it was no doubt written to George Shep- 
herd shortly after the Glendale robbery: 

Friend George: 

I can't wait for you here. I want you to wait for me on Rogue's 
Island, and we will talk about the business we spoke of. I would wait 
for you, but the boys want to leave here. Don't fail to come, and if we 
don't buy them cattle, I will come back to you. Come to the place 
where we met going South that time, and stay in that neighborhood till 
I find you. Your friend, J. 

Besides these letters of a private character, there are three 
others that deserves a very careful perusal ; whether they orig- 
inated with Jesse, or whether they were suggested to him hy 
others, matters little. They were intended to influence the 
public mind through the medium of the press. The dates are 
probably designedly wrong. The first of these appeals to 
the reading public was made through the columns of the 
Nashville ^a;2/2<?r, of July loth, ic^75. The communication 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



375 



was ostensibly in answer to certain statements of the Nash- 
ville Union and American., and run as fuUows: 

Ray Tow?^, Mo., July 5th, 1S75. 
Gentlemen: 

As my attention has been called recently, to the notice of several 
sensational pieces copied from the Nashville Uyiion and American., stating 
that the James and Younger;^ are in Kentucky, I ask space in your valu- 
able paper to say a few words in my defence. I would treat these re- 
ports with silent contempt, but I have many friends in Kentucky and Nash- 
ville that I wish to know that these reports are false and without found- 
ation, I have never been out of Missouri since the Amnesty Bill was 
introduced into the Missouri Legislature, last March, asking for pardon 
for the James and Younger Boys. I am in constant communication with 
Governor Hardin, Sheriff Groom, of Clay County, Mo., and several 
other honorable county and State officials, and there are hundreds of 
persons in Missouri who will swear that I have not been in Kentucky. 
There are desperadoes roving round in Kentucky, and it is probably 
very important for the officials of Kentucky to be vigilant. If a robbery 
is committed in Kentucky to-day, Detective Bligh, of Louisville, would 
telegraph all over the United States that the James and Younger Boys 
did it, just as he did when the Columbia, Kentucky bank was robbed, 
April 29th, 1S72. Old Bly, the Sherman bummer, is keeping up all 
the sensational reports in Kentucky, and if the truth was known, I am 
satisfied some of the informers are concerned in many robberies charged 
to the James and Younger Boys for ten years. The radical papers in 
Missouri and other States, have charged nearly every daring robbery in 
America to the James and Younger Boys. It is enough for the Northern 
papers to persecute us without the papers of the South, the land we 
fought for for four years, to save from Northern tyranny ; to be persecuted 
by papers claiming to be Democratic, is against reason. The people of 
the South have only heard one side of the report. I will give a true 
history of the lives of the James and Younger Boys to the Banner in 
the future; or rather a sketch of our lives. We have not only been per- 
secuted, but on the night of the 25th of January, 1875, at the midni^'ht 
hour, nine Chicago assassins and Sherman bummers, led by Billy Pink- 
erton, Jr., crept up to my mother's house and hurled a missile of war (a 
32-pound shell) in a room among innocent women and children, murder- 
ing my eight year old brother and tearing my mother's right arm off, and 
wounding several others of the family, and then firing the house in seven 



37^ OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

places. The radical papers here in Missouri have repeatedly charged the 
Russellville, Kentucky, bank robbery to the James and Younger Boys, 
while it is well known that on the day of the robbery, March 20th, 1869, 
I was at the Chaplin Hotel in Chaplin, Nelson county, Kentucky, which 
I can prove by Mr. Tom Marshall, the proprietor, and fifty ot ers ; and 
on that day my brother Frank was at work on the Laponsu Ranch in 
San Luis Obispo county, California, for J. D. P. Thompson, which can 
be proven by the sheriff" of San Louis Obispo county, and many o'hers. 
Frank was in Kentucky the winter previous to the robbery, but he left 
Alexander Sayer's, in Nelson county, January 25th. 1868, and sailed 
from New York City, January i6th, which the books of the United 
States mail line of steamers will show. Probably I have written too 
much, and probably not enough, but I hope to write much more to the 
Banner in the future. I will close by sending my kindest regards to old 
Dr. Eve, and many thanks to him for kindness to me when I was wounded 
and under his care. Yours respectfully, 

Jesse James. 

Our collection of Jesse James' letters ends with the two 
following epistles which he contributed to the Kansas City 
Tivies.^ during the excitement that was awakened by the 
train robbery at Rocky Cut, near Otterville, Missouri. 
Few letters ever contributed to a newspaper ever caused a 
wider sensation. It seems always to have been a point with 
Jesse to have suggested some perpetrator of the crime he de- 
sired to repudiate. i\nd his worst and bitterest scorn was al- 
ways reserved for Pinkerton's men. 

Jesse's first letter to the Kansas city " times." 

Oak Grove, Kan., August 14, 1876. 
You have puMished Hobbs Kerry's confession, which makes it ap- 
pear that the Jameses and the Younger s were the Rocky Cut robbers. 
If there was only one side to be told, it would probably be believed by a 
good many people that Kerry has told the truth. But his so-called con- 
fession is a well-built pack of lies from beginning to end. I never heard 
of Hobbs Kerry, Charles Pitts and William Chadwell until Kerry's ar- 
rest. I can prove my innocence by eight good, well-known men of 



OUTLAWS OP THE BORDER. ^yy 



Jackson county, and show conclusively that I was not at the train rob- 
bery. But at present I will only give the names of two of those gentle- 
men to whom I will refer for proof. 

Early on the morning after the train robbery east of Sedalia, I saw 
the Hon, D. Gregg, of Jackson county, and talked with him for thirty or 
forty tninutes. I also saw and talked to Thomas Pitcher, of Jackson 
county, the morning after the robbery. These two men's oaths cannot 
be impeached, so I refer the grand jury of Cooper county, Mo., and Gov. 
Hardin to those men before they act so rashly on the oath of a liar, 
thief and robber. 

Kerry knows that the Jameses and Youngers can't be taken alive, 
and that is why he has put it on us. I have referred to Messrs. Pitcher 
and Gregg because they are prominent men, and they know I am in- 
nocent, and tl^eir word can't be disputed. I will write a long article to 
you for the Times^ and send it to you in a few days, showing fully how 
Hobbs Kerry has lied. Hoping the Times will give me a chance for a 
fair hearing and to vindicate myself through its columns, I will close. 

Respectfully, 

J. James. 



Jesse's second letter to the Kansas city " times." 

Safe Retreat, Aug. i8, 1876. 

I have written a great many articles vindicating myself of the false 
charges that have been brought against me. Detectives have been try- 
ing for years to get positive proof against me for some criminal offense, 
so that they could get a large reward offered for me, dead or alive; and 
the same by Frank James and the Younger Boys, but they have been foiled 
on every turn, and they are fully convinced that we will never be taken 
alive, and now they have fell on the deep-laid scheme to get Hobbs 
Kerry to tell a pack of base lies. But, thank God, I am yet a free man, 
and have got the power to defend myself against the charge brought 
against me by Kerry, a notorious liar and poltroon. I will give a full 
statement and prove his confessions false. 

Lie No. I. He said a plot was laid by the Jameses and Youngers 
to rob the Granby bank. I am reliably informed that there never was a 
bank in Granby. 

Lie No. 2. He said he met with Cole Younger and me at Mr. 
Tyler's. If there is a man in Jackson county by that name, I am sure 
that I am not acquainted with him. 



37S OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

Lie No. 3. lie said Frank James was at Mr. Butler's, in Cass 
county. I and Frank don't know any man in Cass county by that name. 
I can prove my innocence by eight good citizens of Jackson county 
Mo., but 1 do not propose to give all their names at present. If I did, 
those cut-throat detectives would find out where I am. 

My opinion is that Bacon Montgomerv, the scoundrel who mur- 
dered Capt. A. J. Clements, December 13, 1S66, is the instigator of all 
this Missouri Pacific affair. I believe he planned the robbery and got 
his share of the money, and when he went out to look for the robbers he 
led the pursuers off the robbers' trail. If the truth was half told about 
Montgomery, it would make the world believe that Montgomery has no 
equal, only the Bender family and the midnight assassins who 
murdered my poor, helpless and innocent eight-year old brother, and 
shot my mother's arm off, and I am off opinion he had a hand in that 
dirty, cowardly work. The detectives are a brave lot of boys, — charge 
houses, break down doors and inake the gray hairs stand up on the heads 
of unarmed victims. Why don't President Grant have the soldiers called 
in and send the detectives out on special trains after the hostile Indians.? 
A. M. Pinkerton's force, with hand-grenades, will kill all the women 
and children, and as soon as the women and children are killed 
it will stop the breed, and the warriors will die out in a few years. I be- 
lieve the railroad robberies will yet be sifted down on some one at St. 
Louis or Sedalia putting up the job and then trying to have it put on in- 
nocent men, as Kerry has done. 

Hoping the ThnesvfWl publish just as I have written, I will close. 

Jesse James. 




CHAPTER LIU. 

THE ROBBERS AT WORK AGAIN THE LONELY FLAG- 
STATION AT GLENDALE — DETERMINED CONDUCT OF 

THE RAIDKrjt; $3^,000 IN TEN MINUTES VALIANT 

CONDUCT OK WILLIAM GRIMES AN IMPORTANT 

DISPATCH. 

After the direful tragedy of Northfield, the heroes of these 
pages thought it best to relieve the western borders of Mis- 
souri of their presence. They wandered afar to broader 
fields and pastures new. For three years they wandered over 
the rolling plains of Texas, and along the banks of the Rio 
Grande, making, as we have seen, occasional excursions into 
Mexican territory, where they got all the fandangos and 
fights they wanted. When three years had passed away, 
and nothing had been heard of the boys of Clay county, the 
hearts of the Missourians took cheer, and they began to hope 
that they had tninsferred themselves permanently to some 
distant scene. Three years was a long time for Missouri to 
be free from outrage and bloodshed. But the peace and 
order in which the people were trusting, was to come to a sud- 
den and violent end. The old battle-ground of the guerillas 
that had been quiet so long was soon to echo again to the 
sharp crack of pistol and gun. 

Lafayette, Cass and Jackson counties had been infested 
in other days by a wild band including, beside tli^ James 

379 



380 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

Boys, the old guerilla warriors Quantrell, Todd, Anderson, 
Younger, Pool and Clements; and now the boys were gath- 
ering again to their old stamping ground. 

Glendale is one of the loveliest spots in the lovely county 
of Lafayette. In the spring-time, or the autumn especially, 
this whole region is exceedingly beautiful. Well wooded 
and watered, its trees grow in wild luxuriance. Glendale is 
the name of a lonel}^ flag-station on the Kansas City branch 
of the Chicago & Alton Railway, about twenty miles from 
Kansas City. It was on a lovely autumn evening, October 
yth, 1879, that one of the most daring robberies ever 
known took place. The outlaws could not have chosen a 
more secure and secret spot for their nefarious operations. 
Right in the heart of the l(;nely hills, the victim train would 
be cut off from all help. And the "dense, dark woodlands 
afforded a most accommodating shelter for the fugitives. 

The population of Glendale was exceedingly limited. A 
very industrious canvasser would have been able to take the 
census in a very short time, for Glendale consisted of the 
flag-station, a post-oflice and a general store, in connection 
with the post-oflice. There was no blacksmith's shop with 
its ringing anvil; no church with lofty spire, nor yet that 
absolute necessity of modern civilization, a saloon. The male 
population of Glendale, all told, would not make up a baker's 
dozen. 

Mr. Anderson was the postmaster and store-keeper of 
Glendale, and on this particular October evening the worthy 
Scotchman was standing at the door of the post-office, "just 
haeing a crack qe ken " with the rest of the male population, 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



3^^ 



for with the exception of Mr. Mclntire and a gentleman who 
was visiting him on business, the whole of the men-folk of 
Glendale were congregated round the postoffice. 

Conversation had wandered on through various subjects, 
the crops, the weather, and various equally ititeresting themes, 
when suddenly a stranger appeared upon the scene, tapped 
Mr. Anderson upon the shoulder, and said in a strange, com- 
manding tone: 
* I want you." 

"What do you want with me?" asked the postmaster, 
evidently not a little surprised. 

To this question no immediate reply was given. The 
stranger stepped aside for a moment, and after a sharp, shrill 
vs^histle, said in a commanding tone: 
" Here, boys! " 

"The summons was responded to by six masked men with 
loaded revolvers and wicked-looking knives in their hands. 
The leader of the gang then addressed the idlers round the 
postoffice, who stood perfectly astonished by the sudden 
change affairs ha&l taken: 

"Now, take care, make tracks out of this." 
"Where are we to go?" asked Mr. Anderson, who saw 
that anything like resistance was wholly useless. 

"To the depot," was the sullen answer. And to the 
depot the little company filed, beginning finally to surmise 
what sort of business was on hand. 

"What do you want with us at the depot?" asked one of 
the small company. 

A very natural question, and very curtly replied to: 



382 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

" You'll know all in good time," was the only answer 

vouchsafed. 

At the depot Mr. Mclntire was busy at work in the 
office, preparing for the night mail. Mr. W. E. Bridges, 
Assistant Auditor of the Chicago & Alton line, was up-stairs 
drinking- tea with Mr. Mclntire' s venerable mother. 

No sooner had the little company arrived at the depot 
than the gang of raiders was joined by eight other masked 
desperadoes, the leader of the robbers only being unmasked. 
The leader, whoever he was, wore a long dark beard, but 
whether real or not, was hard to tell. As he reached the 
door of the depot, he sauntered lazily in and said: 

" I want to send a message to Chicago." 

" All right," said Mr. Mclntire, but before he could touch 
the instrument, he was seized from behind. 

" You are my prisoner," said a ruffian who had him in a 
vicious grip. 

In a moment the telegraphic instrument was smashed to 
atoms, and all the connecting wires were broken. Mean- 
time, the little company from the postoffice were ordered to 
sit down, with the threat that if they were not "clever enough 
to keep still, they would be minus their heads in a very few 
moments." Then turning to the imprisoned agent, the 
leader said : 

" I want }'ou to lower that green light, young man, and 
be quick about it." 

"But," said the agent, " the train will stop if I do." 

" That's the alum! Precisely what we want it to do, my 
buck, and the sooner you obey orders the better. I will give 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 383 

you a minute to lower the light," said the bearded leader, at 
the same time thrusting a cocked pistol in the face of the 
agent. 

The mandate wns enforced by the presentation of a cocked 
revolver, which the bearded man held within a couple of 
inches of the poor fellow's face. 

The asrent saw that there was nothino^ for it but obedience 
or death. The order was obeyed with the reluctance with 
which a conscientious man puts his hand to such work, but 
the agent was powerless to resist, and he obeyed the order. 
Before doing so, however, he was asked if there was anybody 
up-stairs. On the information that Mr. Bridges and his 
mother were taking tea, three of the masked villains were 
detailed to settle their business. The command was obeyed, 
and Mr. Mclntire w^as relieved of all the money he had, and 
a handsome gold watch. The venerable lady was in a per- 
fect terror of alarm, and on bended knees pleaded with the 
robbers : 

"For God's sake, spare my boy; he has done you no 
harm." 

She was assured that no harm would come to them if they 
would be quiet, but if they made the slightest attempt to raise 
an alarm they must take the consequences. 

All the prisoners were firmly secured, the green light was 
lowered, and the gang of robbers had only a few moments to 
wait for the oncoming train. An awful silence reigned; the 
poor wretches held in such perilous durance seemed almost 
afraid to breathe. 

At last the train came on. Seeing the signal for stopping, 



3S4 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



Mr. Gorman, the conductor, stopped the train, and just as it 
drew near the station he jumped off and was proceeding to the 
Httle station for orders, when he was accosted by two masked 
men who took him prisoner, presenting their revolvers as ar- 
guments for his silence. 

The work of the robbers now proceeded with lightning 
speed. Two armed men made for the cab of the locomotive 
and made prisoners of the engineer and fireman, who were 
both assured that instant death would be the price of the faint- 
est show of resistance. 

" And now hand me out that coal hammer of yours," said 
one of the men to the fireman. 

"What dp you want with my hammer?" asked the 
fireman. 

"Never mind what I want with it; hand it out and be 
quick, or by God you'll never use a hammer again." 

While the conductor, the engineer, and the fireman were 
thus held in captivity, a detachment of the gang went to the 
express car; having secured the fireman's heavy hammer they 
beean batterino^ in the door of the car. 

Great honor is due to Mr. William Grimes, the brave and 
trusty custodian of he car. At the first stroke of the hammer 
he suspected mischief and quick as thought rushed to the safe 
and took out a package containing $35,000, which he put in 
a valise, hoping to escape with it before his enemy gained ad- 
mission. Laudable as was his purpose, he was too late. Two 
of the band confronted him at the door of exit. 

"Here, you," said one of them, "give me the key of that 
d — d safe, and be quick." * 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



38; 



" I will not," said Grimes, " you must take it, if you 
want it." 

It was but the work of a moment to fell Grimes to the 
ground with the butt end of a gun ; and he may thank his happy 
stars that he was only stunned and not killed. 

The safe was rifled, but little was found in it. The sus- 
picious looking valise that rolled from the hand of the un- 
conscious Grimes caught the attention of one of the eangf, and 
was speedil}' emptied of its contents. 

Meantime, others of the gang were walking on either side 
of the train firing off pistols to keep the passengers quiet. Not 
a passenger attempted to resist. The whole time was taken 
up in hiding their valuables in all sorts of likely and unlikely 
places. The train only waited ten minutes, but to the alarmed 
men and women on the train these ten minutes seemed an 
age. There was no intention evidentl}^ of robbing the pas- 
sengers. In that brief space of time these desperadoes had 
secured between $35,000 and $40,000, besides some other val- 
uables, without doing any further damage than breaking in 
the express car door and destroying the telegraphic instru- 
ments at Glendale station. 

The train moved on; the robbers had secured the prize 
without adding other murders to their already lengthened list 
of crimes. It is said that before they left the scene of their 
exploits they once more visited the station and left the follow- 
ing dispatch, which the leader begged Mr. Bridges with mock 
seriousness, to send to the editor of the Kansas City yournaL 
Whether the interesting document ever reached that journal 

25 



386 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER 



we are not informed, but it may interest our readers to peruse 
a copy of it, which is herewith appencied: 

"l^LUE Springs, Missouri. 
"We are the boys who are hard to handle, and wc will 
make it hot for the boys who try to take us. 

"Frank James, 
"Jesse James, 
"Jim Conners, 
"Cool Carter, 
"Jack Bishop, 
"And three others." 

Whether this dispatch be genuine or not, there is but little 
oubt but that Frank and Jesse James were rinj^leaders in 
the Glendalo fray. 




CHAPTER LIV. 

MARSHAL LlGCxKTT IN PURSUIT. 

now ro SECURE JESSE GEOKGE W. shepherd SKETCH OF 

]IIS LIFE ON THE TRACK OF JESSE SUNDAY AFTER- 
NOON IN THE WOODS — A RACE FOR LIFE. 

The robbery at Glendale was not only the subject of local 
interest, but became the theme of wide-spread comment. 
That Frank and Jesse James were leaders in the raid was 
universally believed; but some very serious questions were be- 
ing asked. " How," for example, it was being asked, " did 
these robbers come to the knowledge that a large amount of 
money was to be carried on this particular train? " That they 
did know, there seems very little reason to doubt. Many un- 
pleasant things were being said as to the connivance of of- 
ficials with the robbers; and the efforts of the detective forces 
only aroused suspicious laughter. That a whole State should 
be kept at bay by a mere handful of outlaws, seemed absurd 
and preposterous. 

The various railway companies became really anxious, and 
large rewards were offered, but offered in vain, for the capture 
of the miscreants. 

Major James Liggett, the marshal of Kansas City, set to 
work m downright earnest after the robbers. Cool of brain 
and brave as a soldier should be, he set to his task. Quietly 
and patiently he went to work. It came to his mind that 

3^7 



3SS OUTLAUS OF THE BORDER. 

Jim Cummings, Ed Miller, and one or two other suspicious 
characters had been seen in the neighborhood a few days* 
before the Glendale robbery. Little by little scraps of infor- 
mation led the major to conclude that the gang was the old 
lawless gang, and that they were still hiding somewhere not 
very far from the borders of Western Missouri. It required 
men of intimate and minute knowledge of the geograj^hy of 
the district to search with any prospect of success. The 
whole region is full of hills and valleys, wild rocky glens and 
secret fastnesses such as provide safe hiding places for the 
retreating fugitive. It transpired that the robbers, after a 
brief stay in Clay county, took a southerly direction to the 
Indian Territory. Major Liggett felt that he was baffled, but 
he was by no means disposed to give in. He came at last to 
the conclusion that the only possible wav to stop these depre- 
dations was to capture the leaders. But how to capture the 
leaders? That was the point of difHcultv. All ordinary 
means seemed to have utterly failed. The time was come 
wdien extraordinary means must be tried, and it was deter- 
mined if possible to reach Frank or Jesse, but especially Jesse, 
if possible, through the help of one of the gang. 

George W. Shepherd was fixed upon as the likeliest of the 
gang to reii ler the necessary help. Shepherd was now 
following a peaceful occupation in Kansas City. But he had 
lived a strange and troubled life. He was the son of a 
respectable firmer of Jackson county, Missouri. He was at 
the time of the Glendale affair about thirty-seven years old. 
In his early days he manifested a somewhat waywartl dispo- 
sition. While quite young he left home and proceeded to 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 389 

Utah, where he joined the army at that time, operating against 
the Mormons, under the command of General Albert Sydney 
Johnston. After two years' experience in Utah, he returned to 
his early home and set to work at the farm along with his 
brothers. He kept quietly at the work of the farm till the 
war broke out, and then, fired with ambition to champion the 
cause of the South, which in those early days seemed full of 
promise, he was one of the very first who answered the call 
to arms. He enlisted in Company A, under Captain Duncan 
of Rosser's regiment. For a time he knew the rough side of 
a soldier's life, and became inured to many hardships. He 
took part in the battles of Wilson's Creek and Pea Ridge, 
and engaged also in smaller skirmishes in Missouri and 
Arkansas. Later on the Confederate Army, under the com- 
mand of General wSterling Price, was ordered to the east of the 
Mississippi. George Shepherd then returned to Jackson 
county and very shortly afterward he became a member of 
Quantrell's lawless band of guerillas. And he was not long 
a follower of the intrepid Quantrell before he became 
signalized as one of the bravest of that brave company. In 
the terrific charge upon the garrison, at Independence, early 
in 1863, he took his part. The story of the burning of the 
Tate House, at Santa Fe, is one of the most romantic of all 
the records of the guerilla warfare. There never was such 
an exhibition of determination on the part of men from whom 
all hope of escape seemed cut off. The Federals had sur- 
rounded and fired the house in which the followers of Quan- 
trell had taken refuge. The only alternative was surrender 
or death. They were not greatly afraid of death, but "sur- 



390 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

render" was a word not to be found in the vocabulary of a 
guerilla. There were seventeen of Quantrell's followers in 
the house, among whom were Quantrell, Geo. W. Shepherd, 
Cole Younger, Steven Shores, John Jarratte, James Little, 
Hoy Haller, and others. These men fought their way through 
fire and flame, 

"And death shots falling thick and fast 
Like forest pines before the blast." 

Quantrell led the way, followed by George Shepherd. 
They all escaped, and the only men whom the Federals held, 
were three men who surrendered at the first demand of the 
Federals. 

George Shepherd had another narrow escape in 1862, from 
the house of John Shepherd in Jackson county; and shortly 
afterward, when on a tour collecting ammunition for Quantrell's 
camp, he and Cole Younger were closely pursued, and though 
they eventually escaped, they each bore away buckshot enough 
concealed about their persons to keep them in remembrance 
of the fray. In short, Shepherd was Quantrell's most trusty 
lieutenant. And Quantrell, who was not given to much flat- 
tery, declared that Shepherd was one of the bravest men who 
had ever followed his flag. But Shepherd was eventually 
captured, and served a term in the Penitentiary. On his 
release he seemed to have but little fancy for the old wild 
life, and was quietly settled down in Kansas City, when the 
Glendale robbery took place. 

The question may be asked — Why should Major Liggett 
hit upon Geo. W. Shepherd as the appropriate medium 
through which he should lay hands on Jesse James .^^ 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 391 

The answer Is, that the Major was made aware of a lurking 
feeling of dislike on the part of Shepherd toward Jesse 
James. Right or wrong, Shepherd believed that he owed 
the death of a much valued nephew to Jesse's unerring pistol 
some thirteen years before. There had never been from that 
time any real confidence between the two, although their 
mutual dislike had never broken out into open rupture. 

Shepherd was working at a dry-goods store in Kansas 
City, when Major Liggett sent for him. The coldness existing 
between Shepherd and Jesse, seemed at first sight to present 
an insuperable difficulty in the way of Major Liggett's plans. 
But this was to be overcome by strategy. The Major caused 
it to be circulated that Shepherd was involved in the Glendale 
robbery, and bogus strips of newspapers were provided 
Shepherd, to show that he too was being hunted down by 
Liggett and his detective forces. 

Armed with these newspaper clippings. Shepherd went 
down to the Kearney homestead and had an interview with 
Mrs. Samuels. 

"Why George, whatever has brought you here?" said the 
stern-faced mother of the bandit; "you are about the very last 
man I should expect to see at Kearney." 

"Well," said Shepherd cautiously, for he could not mistake 
the look of suspicion in her eyes, "the truth is I am tired of 
this trying to live an honest life. Everywhere I go I am 
spotted. So I've just made up my mind that I might as well 
have the game as the name. So I mean to join Jesse and 
trust to luck and a swift horse." 

"Is that so?" said Mrs. Samuels. " But what has made 



39^ Outlaws of THk BoRDnn. 

you turn back to the old life just now? You know that they 
are hunting Frank and Jesse Hke dogs this verj- moment about 
that Glendale affair." 

" Yes," answered Shepherd, " that's not all. I am hunted 
too about the same business, and I haven't been nearer Glen- 
dale than Kansas City for eight months. But it's always the 
same. Give the best dog in the world a bad name, and it's all 
up with him !" 

"You hunted, too, about Glendale!" said Mrs. Samuels; 
" why you surprise me." 

"Well, look at these papers," said Shepherd, handing the 
bogus slips to Mrs. Samuels. 

The result of the interview was that George D. ShepheVd 
was led blindfolded to the hiding place of Jesse. His recep- 
tion was by no means cordial, but these bogus newspaper clip- 
doings sufficed to convince the gang that Shepherd was really 
being hunted. He soon got into the secrets of the gang, and 
managed to get Jesse to go back on the quiet to Kansas City 
to settle up some private business. He took an awful oath he 
would divulge nothing, but immediately return to his comrades. 

He went to Kansas City and told Major Liggett everything 
about the plans of the boys, and put him distinctly on their 
track, then returning to the camp of the outlaws. 

The bandits were encamped on Rogues' Island, in the 
Marias des Cygnes River, not far from Fort Scott. A plot was 
formed for the robbing of Stewart & Mc Arthur's bank, at 
Short Creek, on the following Sunday. Shepherd was wel- 
comed back. The plan of the authorities was to take Jesse 
and his friends in the act of robbing the bank. Jesse was in 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 393 

the town early in the morning of the Sunday on which the 
bank was to be robbed. Jesse was much surprised to see cer- 
tain soldiers about early in the morning, and smelling danger, 
all his plans were instantl}' changed. All the plans of Shep- 
herd were frustrated, and the whole camp seemed to be disor- 
ganized. In the afternoon they were riding in scattered fashion 
through the woods; Jesse was a little ahead, when George W. 
Shepherd, impatient of delay, called out: 

" Damn you, Jesse James, thirteen years ago you killed my 
young nephew Frank Shepherd, and now by heavens I'll be 
even with you." 

Jesse, thunderstruck, wheeled round and clutched for his 
pistol, but he was too late; Shepherd's pistol flashed fire, and 
Jesse fell heavily to the ground. He paused a moment, saw 
no sign of Jesse's rising, put spurs to his horse and then began 
a race for life. 

Away went Shepherd, crashing through the underwood, 
with Cummings tearing after in hot pursuit. Blackamore fol- 
lowed in the chase, but was soon left behind. Cummings 
gradually gained upon Shepherd, till there was nothing for it 
but make a stand and fight it out then and there. A shot 
fired into Cummings' side persuaded him that it would be 
wise to return, which he did after a three miles' ride. Cum- 
mings returned with a shattered rib, but he had left Shepherd a 
memento of the day's doings in the shape of a bullet which 
lodged in the calf of Shepherd's right leg. 

Shepherd thought for a time that Jesse must be fatally 
wounded. But it is very questionable if he was wounded at 
all. It served his purpose, for a while at least, to be thought 



394 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

dead. And whether he believed it or not, Mrs. Samuels <.- 
It out that " poor Jesse was gone at last !" 

But Jesse was spared for a still more humiliating death 




CHAPTER LV. 

STILL IN PURSUIT OF THE GLENDALE ROBBERS. 

ALLEN PARMER — MARRIES MISS SUSAN JAMES HOME IN 

TEXAS ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE GLENDALE 

ROBBERY JESSE STILL UNCAUGHT WAS HE REALLY 

DEAD? A SUMMER AFTERNOON IN PRINCETON. 

Amongst others charged with being accomplices in the 
Glendale robbery, was Allen Parmer, of whom this history up 
to this point has known but little. His early days were passed 
in Jackson county. There was not much in Allen that gave 
promise of the dauntless desperado, but notwithstanding his 
mild appearance he was very early admitted a member of 
Quantrell's band. He took part in that dreadful sack of Law- 
rence narrated in the earlier parts of this book. He evinced 
a most indomitable courage. In the bloody conflict at Cen- 
tralia he took a conspicuous part. Through all those wild 
raids in Kentucky he had his share. When the war ended, 
and peace once more blessed the land, he returned to a peace- 
ful life and became a silent partner with J. W. Shauhan, in 
the commission business in St. Louis. The business, however, 
was not very successful, and Parmer is said to have been a 
considerable loser in his first commercial venture. For five to 
six years after this he led a wild, wandering life, journeying 
through Texas, Colorado and the Indian Territory. He came 
finally to regard Texas as his home. In the year 1870 he re- 

395 



396 OrTLAU'S OF THE BORDER. 

turned to Jackson county, and wooed and won Susan, the 
sister of Frank and Jesse James. The newly wedded pair at 
once removed to Arkansas, and there for a time they lived in 
peace and comfort, Mrs. Parmer teaching school at Sherman. 
A little while after this Parmer journeyed I30 miles further 
West, and established a ranche near Henrietta, Clay county, 
Texas. Here he lived in ease and comparative prosperity. 
He w\as passing altogether out of public sight and notice, 
when the Glendale robbery took place. But he was destined 
once more to be brought Into temporary notoriety. 

William Grimes, In his testimony concerning the Glendale 
robbery. In describing the man who struck him the blow that 
stunned him, drew a portrait so like Allen Parmer that 
suspicion at once fastened upon him. Deputy Marshal Whig 
Keshlear was dispatched to Texas by jSIarshal Liggett, to ar- 
rest Parmer on a charge of having part In the robbery. Every 
effort w^as made by his Texan friends, who evidently believed 
him Innocent of anv complicity in the robbery, — to prevent his 
being taken as a prisoner to Missouri. But all technical diffi- 
culties were overcome, and under a requisition from Governor 
Phelps of Missouri, he was brought a prisoner to Kansas City 
on the 23d of November. He most emphatically and ve- 
hemently denied any part whatever In the robbery. He was 
lodged In Jackson county jail, and was kept there a little over 
a month, after which he was discharged, the authorities not 
being able to find any evidence whatever by which they could 
connect him with the Glendale robbery. Parmer affected to 
be greatly Incensed at this harsh and summary treatment, and 
threatened a suit against the authorities for false imprisonment. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



397 



But wiser counsel prevailed, and after a good deal of useless 
fretting- he returned to his Texan home. 

As yet Marshall Liggett' s efforts to secure the Glendale 
robbers had been wholly unsuccessful. And it is quite clear 
that Jesse James was a man of more than ordinary capacity, 
or he would not have been able to elude the vigilant search 
that was made for him. 

It is however probable that, after the conflict in the woods 
with George Shepherd, on that memorable Sunday afternoon, 
the hunt after Je!*fte was considerably abated. Shepherd had 
the impression that Jesse had been fatally wounded. And 
the news that he was dead gained ground, and was favored 
no doubt by Jesse's relatives and friends, partly with the view 
of putting his pursuers off the track. Mrs. Samuels gave 
out that " poor Jesse was dead," though she did not act as 
one suffering from a very painful bereavement. Indeed, 
there are many who think they have ver}'- good reason for 
believing that Jesse was quietly resting, unwounded and 
unhurt from Shepherd's dastardly shot, in the old home at 
Kearne\ 

Where Jesse spent Christmas of 1S79 is hard to tell. 
Soon after the fray v/ith Shepherd in the woods, the whole 
gang divided spoils and agreed to separate, till another roll- 
call should summon them to active service. Where the boys 
went, and how they spent the few months that followx'd, is 
not known, and in such a case it serves little purpose to 
inquire. According to some testimonies they were drinking 
tlie mineral waters at Saratoga one day, tippling champagne 
with Wall Street brokers the next, and lolling at their ease 



39S 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



in the marble hall of the Palmer House on the third. But 
these are all flights of fancy. As a matter of fact, it was for 
months very questionable whether Jesse was dead or alive. 
And Frank, who was much quieter in disposition than his 
younger brother, was not heard from. 

In Jul}^ of this year, i8Si, an event transpired that gave 
the general impression that if Jesse had really died of the 
wound he received from Shepherd's pistol, he had managed 
somehow to rise again. 

Riverton is a well-to-do village, situated on the south- 
western corner of Iowa. Messrs. Davis & Sexton were the 
highly esteemed bankers of the village, and Riverton being 
in the midst of a prosperous agricultural district, they man- 
aged to do a thriving little business. They were plodding 
men, of quiet, industrious habits, not very likely to set the 
world on fire, and yet they had managed to make a snug lit- 
tle competency. On the afternoon of this July day two well- 
mounted, respectable-looking strangers came to Rivertouj 
and having hitched their horses in an alley at the rear of the 
bank, they leisurely sauntered round for a little, and at last 
entered the bank. 

Mr. Sexton was alone, and looking up from his desk, saw 
two strange gentlemen before him. He arose immediatel}' 
and said in his usual kindly manner: 

"Good afternoon, gentlemen; what can I do for you?" 

" Would you have the kindness to change this five dollar 
bill.^ we want some silver," said the younger-looking of the 
tw^o. 

" Certainly," said the banker, taking the bill from his 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 399 



hand. Turning to comply with this request, and in the act of 
making change, he thought he heard sometliing unusual, and 
turning to see whar it was, he was amazed to see a long 
dragoon pistol held straight before his face. He started and 
turned pale, but before he had time to utter a sound, the ruf- 
fian who held the pistol said: 

"Throw up your hands and keep silence, or you're a 
dead man." 

The terrified banker was spell-bound. Up went his 
hands mechanically, the right hand clasping the bill he was 
in the act of chano^ino:. 

Quick as thought, the other stranger rushed behind the 
counter, and cleared the safe of all its bills and gold. Mr. 
Sexton was ordered to show them the back way out. The 
robbers then sprang to their horses, and fled away across the 
open timber lands with all possible speed. The robbers had 
got away with $5,000, or to be quite accurate, deducting the 
$5 bill, which Mr. Sexton still held as a memento of their 
visit, they had made just $4,995 by the afternoon's transaction. 

Nobody could prove, but everybody believed, that these 
enterprising gentlemen were none other than Messrs. Frank 
and Jesse James, their way of doing things was so much after 
the fashion of these renowned outlaws of Missouri. 

After this little Riverton episode, people began to say to 
one another, "Well, you see Jesse James was not killed, 
after all." 



CHAPTER Lyi. 

MAMMOTH CAVE STAGE ROBBERY ANOTHER STAGE ROB- 
BERY THE CONCORD COACH FRANK AND JESSE TO 

THE FRONT THE LOGICAL DRIVER $1,136 HAUL 

"GOOD-BYE, GIVE MY LOVE TO THE GIRLS." 

The grandest sight in Kentucky, and indeed one of the 
grandest sights in all the world is the wonderful Mammoth 
Cave. A celebrated writer says that " the Mammoth Cave, 
if less majestic, is not less v/onderful than the world-renowned 
Falls of Niagara." Pilgrims from all lands visit this remark- 
able natural phenomenon. And in the summer and autumn 
the stage drivers do a rousing trade. The visitors to the 
cave are for the most part of the wealthy class, with whom 
money is not of the first importance. Their well-lined, cor- 
pulent pocketbooks have more than once formed a sore 
temptation to the robbers who infest the neighborhood. In 
the month of September, iSSo, one of the last and largest of 
these stage robberies took place. For a long time it was 
only a matter of surmise as to the identit}^ of the robbers. 
But subsequent revelations have made it clear beyond all 
doubt that Frank and Jesse James were the robbers. 

From all the details it would seem that they were in a 
merry mood on this September afternoon. They seem from 
first to last to have regarded the whole affair as a capital 
practical joke. 

400 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 401 



The distance from Cave City to the Cave is about eight 
or ten miles. This distance is traversed by the Concord stage. 
About mid-way between the city and the cave is a dense 
wood, where the loveliest scenery abounds. And here a mag- 
nificent hotel, a sort of half-way house, suggests the pro- 
priety of halting for refreshments. And not infrequently the 
passengers spend an hour in rambling about this charming and 
romantic spot. 

On the evening in question, the Concord stage had started 
on the second half of its journey. The company consisted of 
Miss Rountree, Hon. R. H. Rountree, Mr. R, S. Rountree, 
of the Milwaukee Evening Wisconsin^ Mr. J. E. Craig, Jr., 
of Lawrenceville, Ga.; Mr. S. W. Shelton, Calhoun, Pa.; Mr. 
S. H. Frohlichstein, Mobile; Mr. G. M. Parsley and Mr. G. 
W. Welsh, both of Pittsburgh. The company had had a 
pleasant day at the Cave, and were now returning in a pleas- 
ant mood back to Cave City. 

They had come to the verge of the wood, when suddenly 
the driver descried two horsemen riding at an easy pace to- 
ward them. These well-mounted, well-armed gentlemen 
were our redoubtable heroes, Frank and Jesse James. Ap- 
proaching within hailing distance of the stage Jesse cried out 
in a commanding tone: 

"Halt!" 

And instantly a pair of revolvers were pointed at the 
driver's head. The driver knew that these men meant busi- 
ness, and at once brought his horses to a stand-still. He was 
ordered to come down and stand by the door of the stage. 

He at once obeyed, and suspecting from the first the men he 
26 



402 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

had to deal with, he begged the travelers to come out. He 
knew it was no use to attempt a parley; and so he urged the 
terrified occupants of his coach not to stand upon the order of 
their coming out, but to come out at once. 

" You see," said he, " they'll have your money, anyhow, 
and if you bother 'em they'll have your life as well as your 
money." 

" Come out of the stage, please," said the rider who had 
first commanded the halt. 

The passengers looked through the windows and saw there 
was nothing for it but to obey. The ominous revolvers pre- 
sented at full cock were arguments that helped the driver's 
logic mightily. 

Mr. R. S. Rountree, with the sagacity that is part of ev- 
ery editor's character, seized the passing moments of parley 
to hide his belongings — a pocketbook and a gold watch — 
which he did successfully under the cus-hion of the stage. 

Miss Rountree, the only lady of the party, was permitted 
to retain her seat. 

The gentlemen were placed in single file. Jesse held the 
whole company under cover of his dreadful pistols,while Frank, 
ordering every man to " hold up," went through the crowd, 
searching every pocket. The money arnd all valuables, 
watches, chains and rings, were taken. They were generous 
enough to return railway passes and papers that they could 
not use. They then with mock seriousness begged their vic- 
tims not to regard them as highwaymen. 

" Oh! dear, no, nothing so vulgar! They were only moon- 
shiners who were unduly pressed by an unreasonable govern- 



OUTLAWS OF THE B ORDER. 



403 



ment, were compelled to leave the country, and of course they 
could not go without money. And, therefore, though much 
against their principles, they were compelled to levy toll after 
this fashion. They were extremely sorry if they had given 
any undue annoyance. It might be some consolation to know 
that they had taken toll from the out-going coach that very 
afternoon, and Mr. George Croghan, one of the owners of 
the celebrated cave, had contributed the handsome sum 
of $700." 

Frank then apologized to Mr. Craig of Georgia. He 
hated to take his money, for he loved all Georgians. He had 
fought in a Georgia regiment in the late war. 

" But then you see," said Frank, " I have no option, and 
needs must when the devil drives." 

Turning to the only lady of the party the impertinent 
robber inquired her name. 

" Miss Rountree, of Lebanon," said the lady, scarcely able 
to hide her disgust. 

" Indeed ! " said Frank, his face quite lighting up with a 
smile, "why then you'll probably know some friends of mine. 
I have some very dear friends in Lebanon. Do you happen 
to know the Misses Smithers who live there? " 

" Yes, sir, I do," replied Miss Rountree. 

"Dear me," added Frank, "what a coincidence! Nice 
girls the Smithers' girls, ain't they? Real jolly girls! No 
nonsense, you know, but real out and outers! I wish you'd 
give my love to them when you see them. Tell them not to 
be afraid, I'll make all this right." 

By this time the passengers were ordered into their 



404 OUTLAWS OF THE B ORDER. 

places, and the driver was charged by Jesse to " Drive on, 
and not look behind him." As the old stage rumbled along 
Frank shouted a farewell to Miss Rou itree, and said: "Be 
sure and give my love to the girls." 

When the coach was fairly on its way the impoverished 
passengers began to count their losses. It was found that 
jewelry to the amount of about $200 had been taken, and the 
following sums of money: J. E. Craig, Jr., Lawrenceville, 
Ga., $670; Hon. R. H. Rountree, Lebanon, $55; S. W. Shel- 
ton, Calhoun, Pa., $50; S. H. Frohlichstein, Mobile, $33; G. 
M. Parsley, Pittsburgh, ^2>Z'^ G. W. Welsh, Pittsburgh, $5. 

So the bandits were richer by about $1,136 for their brief, 
daring raid. 




CHAPTER LVIII. 

ROBBERY AND MURDER WESTONVILLE THE OLD BATTLE- 
FIELD MURDER OF WILLIAM WESTFALL m'mILLAN 

KILLED BY A STRAY SHOT THE BAGGAGE-VAN ROBBED 

THE ROBBERS ARE HUNTED IN VAIN. 

After a period of comparative quiet, the old battle-field of 
the James Boys rings again with their unerring revolvers. 
It was in the midst of the glorious summer time that this 
startling tragedy and robbery we are about to detail, took 
place. A universal sorrow was darkening all the land. 
From Cape Cod to the Golden Gate, the great republic was 
mourning the assassination of its chief center. A dastard 
whose name deserves to be consigned to oblivion, fired what 
has proved to be a deadly shot at General James A. Garfield, 
one of the noblest men and purest patriots who ever sat in 
the presidential chair. On the morning of the 3d of July the 
shots were fired that echoed round the world, and doomed the 
nations to universal sorrow. The excitement incident upon this 
shameful event was at its height, when the whole of Western 
America was startled by a new sensation. Another of those 
desperate train robberies had taken place, and this time blood- 
shed was added to plunder. 

The robbery took place on Friday evening, July 15th, 
1 88 1. The scene of the robbery was Westonville, a village 
of some three hundred inhabitants, situated in Daviess county, 

405 



4o6 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



Missouri, about fifty-three miles from Kansas City. About a 
mile east and north of Westonville, the railroad crosses Big 
Dog Creek, a tributary of Grand River. The whole region 
is full of that picturesque beauty amid which the robber- 
brood seemed generally disposed to do their dreadful work; 
not that they chose these scenes for their beauty, but because 
these regions always afforded ample hiding places when the 
work was done. 

The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific train left Kansas 
City about 6 130, on the evening in question. It had proceeded 
quietly on its way without any special experience until it 
reached Cameron. At that station four men boarded the 
train. They had all the look of rugged farmers of the district. 
At any rate there was nothing about their appearance that 
attracted special attention. At Westonville three more passen- 
gers got on the train. There were now seven men on board, 
bent on awful mischief. Whether murder was included in 
their programme as a positive item, will now never be known. 
But murder, most deliberate and cold-blooded, did become 
part of that night's awful doings. Three of these men were 
in the smoking car as the train steamed out of Westonville. 
The night had grown dark; it was now nine o'clock. The 
other four of the band stood on the platform of the baggage 
car, gaining thus sure command of the fireman and the 
engineer. William Westfall, the ill-fated conductor of the 
train, began to collect the tickets. His task was nearly accom- 
plished, when a burly man in a linen duster and with a black 
beard rose, and pointing his revolver at Westfall, said : 

"You are my prisoner; you are the man I want," 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 



407 



The words were scarcely out of his mouth when the sharp 
crack of a revolver was heard, and Westfall turned for a 
moment, gasping something inaudibly, and then rolled against 
the side of the car, only to receive another shot, which made 
the fatal work doubly sure. He staggered out to the platform 
and rolled out to the ditch a dead man. 

Shots still were fired, and a luckless stone mason in the 
employ of the company, coming to the door to see what all 
the tumult was, was instantly killed by a stray shot from the 
reeking revolver. 

A scene of indescribable terror ensued. Amid the conster- 
nation, some one pulled the bell rope for the train to be 
stopped. The engineer, a man named Wolcott, promptly 
obeyed the signal. But this did not suit the plan of the rob- 
bers. Two of their number rushed to the engine and threw the 
throttle- valve wide open, while the engineer and fireman were 
driven to the cow-catcher in terror of their lives. 

From the smoking car to the baggage car the battle was 
now transferred. Messenger Charles Murray had charge of 
the U. S. Express Company's safe. Baggageman Frank 
Stumper was also in the car on a chair near the door. It was 
the work of a moment only, to burst into the cars. The chair 
on which Stumper sat was thrown over, and he was dragged 
out by his legs with unceremonious command. 

" Come out of this you ^ ; come out or youVe 

a dead man." 

Into the car the raiders rushed, taking Murray by the throat. 

"What do you want here?" he said, " this is no place for 
passengers," 



4o8 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

At this provocation one of the number seized Murray and 
swung him round and threatened to " knock hell out of him if 
he was sassy." 

The safe was rifled of its contents. The leader of the band 
had a sack at hand into which he poured the golden treasure. 
It appeared to him that there ought to be more money, and so 
he asked Murray how much money there was. 

" I don't know," said Murray. 

" Then you ought to know," said the leader. " What the 
devil do you do here in charge, without knowing? Come 
now, be quick! I want all you have, every cent! And if you 
give me any more trouble, I'll kill you, by God! " 

Murray said, "You've got everything but those silver bricks." 

"Oh, d n your silver bricks," was the rejoinder. "You 

might as well give up. We have killed your conductor and 
engineer, and we are going to kill you; so get down on your 
knees. There are twelve men in this gang, and we've got 
full possession of the train." 

While this work was going on in the cars, others of the 
gang went through the train firing off revolvers and swearing 
frightful oaths, that if the passengers stirred or spoke they 
would shoot them dead. 

The panic of suspense was awful. Big stout men crawled 
.o the floor and tried to get under the seats. Others tried to 
hide in the Pullman car, where one devout old lady was heard 
amid all the tumult praying aloud that the good Lord would 
turn the hearts of these wicked men, and spare the lives of the 
passengers. 

For the most part the women were much more courageous 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 409 

than the men, the latter hiding their valuables in all con- 
ceivable places; utilizing the water-cooler, the spittoons and 
their boots as secret hiding places for jewelry, watches and 
pocketbooks, while others held up their valuables as a 
sacrifice to appease the avarice of these miserable ghouls. 
One poor wretch, scared well-nigh to death, notwithstanding 
he was armed, pulled out his revolver and laid it on the 
window-sill, saying : " Here, anybody can have this ; I don't 
want it." One passenger in the Pullman car took the pre- 
caution to hide all his money in one of the pillows, which, 
perhaps, was the safest and wisest place under the circum- 
stances. The prevailing idea was that the robbers were going 
through the train to plunder and murder every passenger, if 
need be. But this was not their purpose. To keep the pas- 
sengers terror-stricken for a little time was all they wanted 
of them. 

But why was William Westfall so shamefully murdered? 
It is generally believed that only a motive of the bitterest 
revenge moved Jesse James — for there is no moral doubt 
that Jesse was the leader of this band, and the murderer of 
Westfall — to this dreadful deed. It was reported to Jesse 
by those who were likely to know, that Westfall had been 
very active in the aid he had rendered to Pinkerton's men on 
many occasions, and that Westfall was the leading spirit of 
that cruel fray at Kearney, when the bombshells were thrown 
into his mother's house, and his half-brother was killed. 

If Jesse held these opinions, they would be justification 
enough for him to kill a thousand Westfalls. He would con- 
sider it a work of righteous retribution. 



4IO 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



It has been most distinctly denied by friends of Westfall 
that he ever had anything to do with this sad scene at 
Kearney. Westfall was a highly respected man. He was 
born in McLean county, Missouri, early in the year 1843. 
He spent his young years on a farm, and then went clerking 
for a time. In 1867 he was proprietor of a small confection- 
ery establishment at Kidder, in Caldwell county, Missouri. 
Shortly after this he married Miss Eliza Sweeney, whose 
maiden home was near Gallatin. He was connected with the 
Hannibal & St. Joe Railroad, and he soon rose from brake- 
man to conductor, which position he retained till 1878. He 
was for a brief spell on the Central branch of the Union 
Pacific. It was in March, 1879, that he entered the service 
of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Road, in which service 
he died. 

The funeral of Westfall and of McMillan, the murdered 
stone-mason, brought thousands of people together, who tes- 
tified tlieir deep sympathy for the mourning families. 

At this Westonville affair the outlaws managed to gather 
$2,000 as the spoils of their enterprise. 

After the robbing comes the running. And while there 
needed nmch daring to secure these large spoils, there needed 
a good deal of courage and prompt action, when the terrible 
work was done, to escape in safety. With every robbery the 
public mind became more and more exasperated. And so 
the perils of flight became greater. But these men could and 
often did ride sixty miles in an hour. And there can be little 
doubt that long before the general public were made aware of 
their latest exploit, the boys were many miles away. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 411 



Sam CofFman, an old rough rider, was always willing to 
magnify the riding power of the boys; but when he did so, 
it was one word for the boys and two for himself. 

" How far could Jesse James and his gang ride in sixty 
hours?" was asked of Sam Coffman. 

" Well," he replied, after a careful calculation, " they 
might get in five hundred miles, but they could put in four 
hundred miles easily. I have done that myself when I was 
in a hurry. You see, those fellows plan their robberies a 
long time ahead, and have everything fixed. They have 
relays of horses every fifty miles or so, and all good stock, 
fast and gamy. They could have made the Panhandle 
country of Texas in sixty hours or thereabouts." 

A gentleman in connection with one of the Kansas City 
journals, details a somewhat interesting interview with Billy 
Hudsperth, a well-to-do farmer of Sin-a-bar township, near 
Kansas City. And though there may be but little truth in 
the story, it goes to show what sort of feeling there was 
amongst certain people relative to Frank and Jesse James. 

" I'm accused of being Jesse James' friend and confidant, 
and all that sort of thing," said Farmer Hudsperth, "but 
people don't understand me. Now, for instance, I was out 
in the field one Sunday morning, doing some work, getting 
ready to go to church. I had a fine thoroughbred horse 
hitched to the fence, saddled and bridled, when who should ride 
up but Jesse James. Of course I says, 'Good-morning, Jesse.' 

" ' Good-morning,' says he, jess so. 

" Then says he, ' That's a good horse you have, How 
much will you take for him ? ' 



412 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

" I didn't want to sell the horse, but I knowed he'd take 
him any way, so I says $200. 

" Says he, 'I'll give you $300. I've only got $100 with 
me, and I'll give you the other $200 when I meet you the 
next time.' 

" I was blamed glad to get the $100, so I says 'All right,' 
and he went away. In about two weeks he came riding 
along, and hands nie the $200. It's none of my business 
where he got it, and you bet your life I don't ask. 

"Next week, maybe, he comes along with Jim Cummings 
and the gang, and says he wants to stop all night. Do you 
suppose I am going to say, 'You can't stay here; you're train 
robbers, and you can't come in? ' Not much I don't. I say, 
'Come in, Jesse; come in, Jim, Dick, Ed; how's your 
mother and the folks? Make yourself at home'; and my 
barns and stock and family are safe. I pay m}^ taxes, and 
help pay the county marshal, and I'll be damned if I turn 
out and do his work for him after paying him. He hasn't 
any barns, or stock or family to risk." 

The day after the Westonville robbery a most vigorous 
pursuit was set on foot, but the robbers were not caught. 

Governor Crittenden felt determined, however, that the 
matter should not rest, and so convened an informal meeting 
of representatives of railroads and express companies at the 
Southern Hotel, St. Louis, to take such steps as were neces- 
sary. These various companies offered sums as reward for 
the capture of Frank and Jesse James, amounting in the 
aggregate to $50,000, to which Governor Crittenden added 
$5,000 on behalf of the State of Missouri. 



CHAPTER LIX. 

FURTHER LIGHT ON THE WESTONVILLE ROBBERY A SUG- 
GESTIVE LETTER FOUND TESTIMONY OF EYE-WIT- 
NESSES MR. FRED HENKEL OF CHICAGO, AND MAJOR 

ANTHONY OF DENVER, INTERVIEWED. 

Further light was shed upon the Westonville robbery than 
was afforded the public by the telegraphic and newspaper 
reports. 

On the evening of Sunday, the i6th of July, within about 
forty-eight hours of the robbery, a couple of lovers were lean- 
ing over the bridge at Dry Creek, a short distance from the 
spot where the raiders took to their horses after their work 
was done. They were breathing the oft-told tale, with many 
vows of eternal fidelity, when the downcast eyes of the bash- 
ful maiden discovered something white fluttering near a moss- 
grown stone. 

« Oh, see! Willie," she said; "what Is that?" 

Like a gallant knight Willie secured the fluttering waif, 
and to his surprise read the following letter, which he at once 
handed to the nearest police authority. Of the genuineness 
of the epistle we know nothing. We give it to our readers 
for what it is worth: 

Kansas City, July 12, 1 881. —Charley: I got your letter to-day, 
and was glad to hear you had got everything ready in time for the isth. 
We will be on hand at the time. Bill will be with me. We will be on the 



414 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

train. Don't fear. "We will be in the smoker at Winston. Have the 
horses and boys in good fix for the feast. We will make this joust on the 
night of the i6th inst. All is right here. Frank will meet us at Cam- 
eron. Look sharp, and be well fixed. Have the horses well gaunted. 
We may have some riding to do sometime. Don't get excited, but keep 
cool till the right time. Wilco (evidently meant for Wilcott) will be on 
the engine. I think it best to send this to Kidder. Yours till and 
throi:gh death, Aleck. 

Whether this was a letter from Jesse or not we cannot tell. 
There are, however, other sources of information concerning 
that night's work that are most reliable and trustworthy. Mr. 
Fred Henkel of Chicago, and Mr. Anthony of Denver, Col., 
were passengers on the train. They have most courteously 
consented to tell the story of that eventful ride. Their testi- 
mony is free from all those, exaggerations that frequently 
attend such narrations. 

Mr. Henkel of Chicago, says: 

" I think that it was about twenty minutes past 9 o'clock. 
I had just had my supper, and was enjoying a cigar in the 
smoking car. I think that the station is Princeton, Missouri, 
where we had our supper, somewhere between Cameron and 
Winston Station. About the time we arrived there we no- 
ticed a crowd of rather hard-looking characters about the sta- 
tion. They were together in groups of twos and threes. Wlien 
we were through supper they yelled ' All aboard.' The first 
we knew the train was flying along at a rapid rate, and a 
man, very large, thick, heavy-set, with a black beard, short 
but thick, came in, followed by a couple of others. He was 
dressed, as far as I could notice, in a linen coat and a straw 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 415 

hat, and the other parts of his clothing I don't recollect. The 
trio came in by way of the front platform of the smoking 
car, and one of them, the man with the black beard, had a 
revolver cocked in his hand. He muttered something^ and 
commenced firing at the conductor. He ran out, and the oth- 
ers crowded up to him." 

" Which way did the conductor run?" 

" He ran toward the rear platform out of the door, where 
I heard more shooting. We all ran back to the sleeping 
car where we belonged, and threw ourselves on the floor. I 
only saw the gang at the station while they were in knots, 
and I should suppose that there were at least a dozen of them. 
I should think that there were four of them who came into 
the smoking car. After the trouble was over we found the 
conductor's lantern and his brains on the rear platform." 

" Was the train stopped ?" 

" No ; we were on a stop when the bandits got on. The 
robbers held possession of the train. Three of the gang 
jumped on the engine, and with cocked revolvers compelled 
the engineer and fireman to submit. They couldn't do any- 
thing else. They were armed, but they couldn't get a chance 
to use them. In the excitement they crept away from thei; 
captors and put out the headlight. They also put the air- 
brakes on, so that the speed was slackened. At Winston, to 
which they ran the train, one of the brakemen jumped off 
and telegraphed the death of the conductor and the stone- 
mason, McMillan. The jig was up, and the robbers ran away." 

Major Anthony of Denver, Col., gives a more extended 
account, of which we gladly avail ourselves: 



41 6 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

" I have no doubt," says Major Anthony, " that the gang 
fully intended to go through the whole train. The first man 
who entered the smoking car, and who fired the first shots at 
the conductor, cried out, 'Hands up!' as he advanced. The 
others seemed taken aback at the large number of people they 
found on the car, and looked from one to another and hesi- 
tated. The one who had entered the car looked around him 
after he had fired a couple of times, and seemed to be sur- 
prised that he was alone, and then backed out of the car, 
waving his revolver as he did so to keep the passengers from 
rising upon him." 

" The passengers were considerably scared, were they 
not?" 

" Yes. I've been in one or two tight places before, and 
did not feel particularly scared. I was in the sleeper, and 
called out for every man in the car to get his weapon and 
prepare to do his duty. Not a soul, however, had one on the 
car. Then began the fun. It was amusing to see the fel- 
lows going down for their watches, and money, and other val- 
uables, and hunting for places to hide them in. One man, 
who seemed in an agony of despair, called out, 'They can 
have all the money I own,' at the same time diving under a 
seat. All sorts of places were utilized as hiding places for 
money, etc. Men pulled off their boots and shoved their wads 
or watches into them. Spittoons were used for the same pur- 
pose. I popped my money into the pillow — a pretty safe 
place, I think. The men on the car were terribly frightened 
— much more so than the women. The idea prevailed that 
the robbers were shooting through the windows at the pas- 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



417 



sengers, and as many as could find snug refuge under a seat 
stowed themselves there, and remained there until long after 
the firing was over. On the other hand, not a woman seemed 
to be a particle excited. It was wonderful how coolly they 
took it. They now and then asked for an explanation of what 
was going on, and for pretty definite information as to when 
the affair w^as likely to end ; but when, naturally enough, they 
found their curiosity could not be satisfied, they remained calmly 
in their seats and awaited future developments. 

" There was one great danger which we escaped, as it 
were, by a miracle. When the car stopped it did so not 200 
yards in front of a high trestle. When the robbers had com- 
mand of the locomotive they urged the train along at a tre- 
mendous rate of speed. Had this speed been kept up while 
the train was running along the trestle, it would, so railroad 
men tell me, have jumped the track to a dead certainty, and 
become a total wreck, with a great destruction of life. The 
brakeman, Cole, however, by his opportune opening of the 
air-brake, slackened the train up and averted the calamity." 

When Mr. William Pinkerton, of the Chicago detective 
department, was asked his opinion as to the authors, he un- 
hesitatingly said: 

" The work was undoubtedly done by Jesse and Frank 
James, who are the only survivors of the famous James and 
Younger gang, the remainder being dead or in the Peniten- 
tiary. Jesse James lives in Clay county, Missouri, and he can 
gather a party to rob a train in Clay county in aboBit two 
days' time. He has a thorough knowledge of the country, 
and can be secreted by the citizens for months to avoid arrest," 

27 



CHAPTER LIX. 

j 

JESSE'S LAST RAID! 

GLENDALE AGAIN — MR. JACKSON, OF KANSAS CITY— WHO 

WAS HE? THE PLEASANT SEPTEMBER EVENING THE 

TRAIN BOARDED TESTIMONY OF EYE-WITNESSES 

HAZELBAKER & FOOTE A TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLAR 

HAUL. 

Glendale once more! And now for the last time we have 
to record the skill and awful daring of Jesse James as a train 
robber. It is a long lane that has never a turn, and Jesse sets 
out on his last raid, though there is nothing to indicate to 
him that his days are numbered. 

Jesse had been living for some time in Kansas City, where 
he rented a neat frame house on Woodland avenue, between 
Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets. He had previously lived 
in Nashville, under the name of Mr. Charles Howard. In 
Kansas City he assumed the name of Mr. T. J. Jackson. Of 
all places Kansas City seems the very last place in which one 
would have thought Jesse would have taken up his abode. It 
was daring the worst. It seemed as if he was actually invit- 
ing capture. But Jesse knew pretty well what he was about. 
And the probabilities are that if Jesse had been content to 
live quietly in Nashville or Kansas City, or Texas, he might 
have been living yet. He was not well known as to personal 
appearance; there was no reliable portrait of him, by which 

418 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 419 

even the most acute detective could have identified him. If he 
attracted any attention at all amongst his immediate neigh- 
bors in Kansas City it vi^as only that kind of wonderment in 
which gossiping people always indulge concerning the people 
who are very quiet and find it enough for them to mind their 
own business. Mr. Jackson paid cash for everything, so there 
were no collectors calling. He didn't seem to have many vis- 
itors. He did not work for a living ; when he went out it was 
at night. 80 the wise-acres shook their solemn heads and 
said with many a solemn nod and knowing wink, "Gambler!" 

Jesse would have been quite content to have been taken 
for so respectable a personage. And as long as that conclu- 
sion satisfied their curiosity he would have been quite content. 

The memory of the Westonville tragedy was still fresh 
•n the minds of the peojole, when another raid was made. It 
was the pleasant autumn time : 

"The leaves were paling yellow 
And trembling into red ; 
And the free and happy barley 
Was hanging down its head." 

On Tuesday morning, September 6th, 1881, a passen- 
ger train started out from Chicago, on the Chicago & Alton 
road. The train was well loaded, and the Pullman cars car- 
ried rather more than its usual complement of ladies and gen- 
tlemen bound westward. Some were going on business, and 
others were returning from their summer tours, refreshed 
with their wanderings, and prepared to face the winter's work. 

The day had been very beautiful, and but for occasional 
clouds of dust that penetrated everywhere, the journey had 



420 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

been very pleasant. It was about 9 o'clock at night as the 
train swept along in the region of Glentlale — the scene of 
the famous robbery of 1879, when Jesse James led the robber 
band. The sleepers were made up; the ladies were about to 
retire; the gentlemen were standing on the platform, and 
were enjoying a quiet smoke in the moonlight, when the tram 
was suddenly brought to a standstill, and v/as boarded by 
twelve masked men. They rushed in like wild tigers, howl- 
ing, yelling and cursing as though they were just let loose 
from Pandemonium. Foote, the engineer, was ordered, on 
pain of instant death, to "come out of that," and as the order 
was enforced by two revolvers held before his face, he obeyed, 
and was quickly followed by John Stead man, his fireman. 
They were then told that they must take the coal hammer 
and break open the express car. There was nothing for it 
but to comply. All the robbers wore white masks but one, 
and he wore a red neck- kerchief, and declared himself to be 
Jesse James, and indicated that he meant business, and so 
assured them that they had better be spry. Foote and Stead- 
man were then escorted to the express car, which was in 
charge of Mr. H. A. Fox, messenger of the United States 
Express Company; As soon as he heard the pounding com- 
mence, he suspected that there was mischief ahead. He 
immediately opened the door, and was ordered along with his 
baggage-man to come out, which he did. He betook himself 
to the roadside, but was soon re-called and made to open the 
safe. It would seem that the safe did not contain as much 
as the raiders anticipated, and so they took vengeance on the 
unoffending Fox, and belabored him about the head with the 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER-. 421 

butt-end of a pistol. They made him give up his pooket- 
book and his watch. He was successful, however, in regain- 
ing his watch sometime afterward from a pawn shop in St. 
Louis. 

In the meantime, the other members of the band were 
taking up a collection in the cars. 

"We are coming in and going through you," said one of 
the gang, "so d n you, be quick, and hold up your hands!" 

Hazelbaker, the conductor, and Burton, the brakeman, as 
soon as the tr^in began to slack, scented danger. They went 
through the cars, warning the passengers on peril of their 
lives to keep quiet. Having done this, they remembered that 
the freight train was following fast, and if it was not flagged, 
the whole train might be wrecked. With a most heroic 
courage and thought never to be forgotten, these brave men, 
through a drizzling rain of shot, and at the imminent peril 
of their lives, went and flagged the fast following freight 
train. 

Happily we have Mr. Hazelbaker's own account of the 
adventure. He shall tell his own story: 

" When T reached the sleeper, I told Burton, my brake- 
man, to flag the train following. I knew there was a freight 
right after me, and would wreck my train, and I knew that 
that train must be stopped. Burton said he did not like to 
go, but the brave fellow went just the same. We dropped off 
together, and they began to fire at us. I think there were 
probably twenty shots fired at us altogether. We finally suc- 
ceeded in flagging the freight train just in time. The gang 
swore a great deal, and seemed to center all their wrath on 



432 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

him, threatening his life if he continued to run on that line. 
The leader, who said he was Jesse James, put a pistol under 
the nose of the conductor, and said : 

"D -n you, smell of that; that's the pistol I shot 

Westfall with at Winston." 

The robbers were greatly incensed because the Governor 
of Missouri had offered a reward for their capture. And one 
of the masked men threatened with many an oath : 

" Now listen you , the next reward that's offered, we'll 

burn your d — n train, and don't you forget it ! . We will cut 
the Pullman loose and save it, because Pullman is white, and 
never offered a reward; but we will make a bonfire of your 
train, as sure as you live." 

In answer to further questions, Hazelbaker said: 

" From their talk it appeared that the robbery was a piece 
of dare-deviltry, in revenge for the Winston reward being 
offered. They constantly shoved pistols under my nose, and 
reminded me of Westfall's fate. After they left us we pulled 
out, and as quick as we could." 

" How many were there? " 

" There were six in the sleeper, and four or five outside." 

" Did they expose themselves? " 

"Not at all! I could see their forms, but absolutely 
nothing of their features. The leader, supposed to be Jesse 
James, had on a white muslin cloth with holes cut in it 
around his head, as if he had made a mask of a handkerchief. 
The others wore masks of dirty cloth or calico. They were 
all slender men, except the leader, who was a tall, well-built 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 



423 



" Could you identify any of them?" 

" No, and there lies the trouble." 

" How much money do you suppose they got? " 

" I could not tell. They took from each passenger be- 
tween $1 and $300, and maybe got a couple of thousand. 
I don't know how much was in the express car." 

It is believed, however, that the gang secured about $2,500 
from the express car, and from the passengers about $4,000 
in gold; and in jewelry, comprising watches, diamond ear- 
rings and brooches, and the like, they obtained what would 
mount up to about $12,000, in the aggregate. 

The conductor managed to hide most of his money, but 
Fox has a different story to tell : 

" When they robbed the safe of everything," he says, 
" I ran back into the smoking-car, and hid most of my money. 
The robbers came in and ordered me, with an oath, to lie 
down. I did so, and they shoved a gun up to my head and 
told me to fork over. I said my money was under the 
cushion. They told me to get it, and I got it in a hurry, you 
bet. It was somewhere in the neighborhood of $15." 

The work of the robbers was speedily over, and then 

*' They folded their tents like the Arabs, 
And as silently stole away." 

But no narrative of this eventful night would be complete 
without the story of the engineer, who was known among his 
comrades on the line by the name of " Choppy Foote." This 
is his story: 

" Between three and four miles east of Independence is a 



424 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

deep cut, over which the Missouri Pacific track crosses the 
Chicago & Alton, and it was just before entering the deepest 
part of this cut that I saw a pile of stones, probably five feet 
high, on the top of which was a stick to which was attached 
a red rag, and behind the whole stood the leader of the robbers. 
Of course I stopped. I was then approached by four of the 
gang, besides the leader, who said, ' Step down off that engine, 
and do as I tell you, or I will kill you.' He then told me to 
get the coal pick, which I did, after some parleying, but as a 
revolver was pointed at my head, I could not refuse to obey. 

"They then marched myself and John Steadman, the fire- 
man, to the express car, and ordered me to break the door 
down, which I did. Messenger Fox had hidden in the weeds 
by the roadside, but they swore they would kill me if he didn't 
come out, and so I called for him and he entered the car with 
two of the robbers, who forced him to open the safe and pour 
its contents into a sack. 

" They were disappointed at not getting more booty, and 
knocked Fox down twice with the butt end of a navy revolver 
cutting his head in a fearful manner. They then marched us 
to the coaches, where they kept us covered with revolvers 
while they robbed the passengers. After the last car was gone 
through, they marched us back to the engine, when the leader 
said : ' Now, get back there. We will remove the stones. 
You have been a bully boy, and here is a little present for you,' 
and he handed me two silver dollars. I told them I would 
remove the obstructions, and the entire gang skipped over the 
embankment, and were out of sight in a twinkling. 

" In going through the passengers, each one was made to 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 425 

hold up his hands, and what was taken from them was put 
Into a two-bushel sack, which was nearly full of watches, 
money, and other valuables. They didn't take anything from 
me. 

" The train was stopped only a car length off. When I 
came back one of the robbers said : ' Have you lost anything ? ' 
I answered: * Fifty cents.' He gave me $1.50 for interest. 
Then I heard one of the robbers say to the engineer: ' Choppy 
Foote, you're too good a man to keep up this business; here's 
$2 to buy a drink in the morning, and drink it for Jesse James. 
I warn you you'll be killed if you don't leave this road. We 
are going to tear up and burst the Alton & Rock Island 
roads, for they have been offering rewards for us. We've no 
grudge against the Pullmans, and will switch off their cars 
and burn all the rest. I am the man who killed Westfall at 
Winston. He was too smart, and drew a revolver.' " 

Thus from eye witnesses and chief participators in the 
scene, we have a thoroughly reliable account of the Blue Cut 
raid of 1881. 




CHAPTER LX. 

THE LONG LANE BEGINS TO TURN. 

THE HUNT THROUGH CRACKER NECK FOREST PART OF THE 

GANG CAPTURED — WHERE WAS JESSE? — JOHN LAND's CON- 
FESSION DEATH OF WOOD HITE. 

" Turn fortune, turn thy wheel, 

Lower the proud ; 
With thy wild wheel we go not 

Up nor down, 
Thy wheel and thee we neither love nor hate." ^ 

Fortune's wheel had revolved through many changeful 
years in favor of Frank and Jesse James. But there was to 
come a change. The fickle goddess that had been all smiles, 
now gathered frowns upon her hitherto radiant brow. The 
long, long lane was coming to a turn at last. 

The Blue Cut robbery showed up the whole community. 
And the railroad and express companies, the police and de- 
tective forces, felt ashamed and humiliated. Governor Critten- 
den was determined to leave no stone unturned to wipe this 
disgrace from Missouri. 

A stampede begun in downright earnest. The Cracker 
Neck district was searched with such diligence that the vigi- 
lants said they did not think a rat could escape them. The 
hunt was long and earnest; there were over two hundred men 
in hot pursuit. The hunters meant business, and it was not very 

426 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. ^3^ 

long before their efforts were rewarded by the arrest of Creed 
Chapman, John Bugler and John Land. Marshal Murphy 
and Whig Keshlear did most of the arresting, and it was said 
they came very near arresting Ed Miller, the brother of Clell 
Miller who was killed at Northfield in that memorable raid. 

But Jesse James was not caught. He said he could never 
be taken alive, and he never was. A Missouri gentleman 
asked Mrs. Samuels if she thought Jesse was really in that 
Blue Cut raid, to which the wary mother of the bandit 
replied : 

" How could he be? Don't you know that George Shep- 
herd killed him ? I'm surprised at you asking such a question !" 

But where was Jesse? For more than twenty years he had 
led a wild rover's life, but his days were numbered. The mur- 
ders he had committed were almost numberless. It is prob- 
able that it would have been very difficult for Jesse himself 
to tell how many men he had killed. He had defied the ut- 
most vigilance of the legal authorities for years. He had 
lived for years a charmed life, although he had borne many a 
mark of the bloody frays in which he had been engaged. But 

c 

while he was a match for detectives and policemen, he had no 
talisman to insure him against treachery amongst his pro- 
fessed friends and comrades. 

But we anticipate. The robbers, after the raid at the 
Blue Cut, in September, 1881, fled to the old house of refuge 
in Cracker Neck Forest. The spoils were partly divided and 
Jesse fled to Clay county to his native home. The arrest of 
part of the gang has been referred to. The prisoners were 
confined in the jail at Independence, and everj effort and in- 



428 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 

ducement was made to secure a confession. But there " is 
honor among thieves." But it's just as well not to trust that 
honor too far. A confession was drawn from the well-digger, 
John Land, although the confessibn was declared to be a 
" pack of lies " from first to last. It was not this confession 
but a subsequent quarrel and murder among the robbers that 
led to Jesse James' ignominious death. 

After the Blue Cut robbery. Wood and Clarence Hite re- 
turned to their Kentucky home. The young stepmother had 
a special aversion for Wood, though neighborhood gossip said 
that she entertained a tender regard for the gallant Jesse 
James. Wood had also incurred the hatred of Dick Little, 
with whom they had once had a shooting match in old man 
Hite's barn-yard, in which neither combatant was hurt, and 
neither covered himself with glory. The hatred of this man 
and of this woman cost Wood Hite his life, and the murder of 
Wood Hite incidentally hastened the fate of Jesse James. 

Wood Hite was killed, according to the testimony of Mrs. 
Bolton, a sister of Bob Ford, on the first of December, 1881, 
by Dick Little and Robert Ford. His body was found with 
a bullet hole in his right temple^ at the bottom of a well, not 
more than a hundred yards from the home of the Fords, in 
Ray county, Missouri. The inquest was not held till the 5th 
of April, 1882. Mrs. Bolton gave the evidence that marked 
her brother and Dick Little as the murderers. 



CHAPTER 
GATHERING GLOOM. 

GOVERNOR CRITTENDEN WORKING IN SECRET THE MYS- 

^ TERIOUS LODGE DICK LITTLE SURRENDERS LITTLE's 

CONFESSION. 

The gloom began to gather on the path of the ill-fated 
Jesse. He was not aware to what extent efforts were being 
made for his capture. Had he but known he might have 
fled to " fields afar," and saved himself. Not that he was 
growing absolutely careless. But he made frequent visits 
from Kansas City and then from St. Joseph to th e Kearney 
homestead, and took little or no care to assume any sort of 
disguise, notwithstanding $50,000 were offered for his head. 

Ever since the murder of Westfall, Governor Crittenden 
had been secretly at work. He abandoned all idea of securing 
either Frank or Jesse by aid of police or detective. The 
policy pursued by Marshal Liggett of Kansas City he felt 
sure was the right policy. Jesse must be taken through his 
friends or not at all, but he was by no means disposed to show 
his hand to anybody. He expressed himself to a gentleman 
who was greatly interested in the matter, in the following 
terms : 

" Do you think that you are at last on the track of Jesse 
James and his gang?" was the question proposed. 

" I do," replied the Governor, " and I will capture him — - 

429 



430 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 

dead or alive. He may rest assured of that. He is an extra- 
ordinary man in his line, and would have made a valuable 
man to society had he chosen an honest life. He is a natural- 
born leader of men. In this instance he is like many bad 
men, but I think his career is about ended. His old friends 
are leaving him, as his association is dangerous to their liber- 
ties. The big reward I offered for Frank and Jesse has had 
a happy effect. The cupidity of man is only equaled by th? 
force of the ' root of all evil ' — money. Remember what I 
say, I will sooner or later capture these gentlemen of the pistol 
and the brush. They have about completed their bloody circle." 
" Are you satisfied with your efforts in the direction of 
suppression?" asked the Governor's friend. 
- " Well, I have good reason to be, I think," responded the 
Governor. " I think the result shows good work. Two in 
the penitentiary for twenty-five years each, two in coffins, 
five in jail in Independence on their way to the penitentiary, 
two more under the control of the officers of the law, leaving 
only the old leaders, Frank and Jesse James, both of whom, 
I hope, will soon be beyond the limits of their own freedom." 
The Fords were the medium through which the governor 
hoped to secure the outlaws. They were pledged to secrecy, and 
well supplied with funds. They were moreover so involved 
themselves, that treachery now to Governor Crittenden's 
instructions would end in utter and hopeless ruin to them. 
They had been at their work since November, 1881. They 
moved slowly, but they moved surely. They were on Jesse's 
track beyond a doubt. But they were not disposed to strike 
the blow until they were quite sure. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 



431 




GOV. CRITTENDON. 



432 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 

One day in the early spring, — Februar}^ i6th was the 
exact date,— Governor Crittenden was busy with his official 
duties at Jefferson City, when a heavily veiled lady came to 
his office and asked for an interview. The courteous gover- 
nor was somewhat surprised when he found that the object 
of the lady was to find out on what terms an outlaw might 
surrender with any sort of safety to himself. But we will giv 
the governor's own account of the affair: 

"On the 1 6th of February, a mysterious woman appeared 
at my office and asked me upon what terms an outlaw could 
surrender. I said it was owing to the man. Frank nor Jesse 
James could surrender under no assurances of immunity from 
punishment. If any others of the gang came in with an 
honest intention of abandoning their nefarious life, and with 
a full determination to assist the law officers in capturing Jesse 
and Frank James, ready at all times to go in pursuit of them 
and, if necessary, die in the effort to capture them, he could 
come in, and I would use my influence for his protection; 
but not until I was fully convinced of the sincerity and honesty 
of his intentions — no reservations in behalf of any old friend, 
sympathizer, or actor." 

The coming and going of this strange visitor was not 
wholly unnoticed, and many began to guess and surmise what 
could be the purpose of the visit. When it leaked out that 
the visit was in connection with some question of outlawry, 
busy-tongued people, who knew nothing of the facts, began 
to explain the visit according to their fancy, as is their constant 
habit. ^ 

The veiled lady was said to be Mattie Collins, the alleged 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 433 



wife of Dick Little, the accomplice of Jesse James. But this 
Governor Crittenden absolutely denies. He never knew 
Mattie Collins, never had an interview with her in his life. 
The lady in question, who had interviewed him on the ques- 
tion of the terms of an outlaw's surrender was — well, it was 
nobody's business who she wae. So the busy-bodies were 
nonplussed. 

The issue of this interview was soon known, for in two 
days afterward — Feb. 19th, 1882 — Dick Little surrendered 
to Sheriff John R. Timberlake, of Clay county, Missouri, 
and on the 32d of that month he was taken to Jefferson 
City, and all the testimony of the officials goes to show that 
Dick Little was tired of his wild life, and made a genuine 
surrender. With his surrender there came a Jong and detailed 
confession. Of that confession very little is known. Of 
course enterprising newspapers, with reporters of highly 
wrought imagination, have published supposed copies of 
Little's confession. But they are one and all false. It is not 
likely that the governor, who is intent on signalizing his term 
of office by sweeping Missouri clean of this robber-brood, 
would permit that confession or any part of it to get abroad. 
The character of that confession can be guessed, but it can 
only be guessed. It is pretty clear, however, that Little was 
so thoroughly acquainted with all the history of the gang 
that if he were disposed, he could tell all that was Important 
to be told concerning its plans and movements, and that he 
has done so to the entire satisfaction of Governor Crittenden, 
is abundantly evident. Indeed, the governor has volunteered 
the following statement: 
28 



434 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

"The confession is a voluminous one, and took two days and 
a half to write it down. It has been shown to nobody, and 
will be kept a secret until such time as I deem it advisable to 
give it out. It is entirely under my control. No one aside from 
myself and two or three others know a word of what it con- 
tains. Little is not accessible to reporters. He has been 
ordered not to talk to them. The reason for not making 
Little's confession public is that it implicates a great many 
people who are supposed to be in good standing in the 
community," 

The last clause of this statement is very suggestive. If 
ever the whole of this confession is made public, thercv will 
be strange light thrown on a subject that has long troubled 
the Western States, and it will form a strange chapter in the 
history of Missouri. But it is hardly to be expected that the 
whole confession will ever be made public. If the ends of 
justice do not demand it, there is no reason why it should. It 
was noised abroad that the Governor had already pardoned 
Dick Little, but this was absurd, as the governor himself shows. 

" I have not pardoned Little. Such talk is all bosh. I 
pardon not before conviction. I hope he will be of much 
service to the State. Sometimes criminals turn State's evidence 
and do much good. I will always encourage the lesser crim- 
inal to convict the greater. That is not only a custom, but is 
the law, and is worthy of observance." 



CHAPTER LXII. 

NEARING THE END. 

JESSE REMOVES FROM KANSAS CITY MR. THOMAS HOWARD 

OF ST. JOSEPH — ^JESSe's RAGE AT LITTLE's CONFESSION 

LAST VISIT TO THE KEARNEY HOME. 

Though there was no pressing reason why Jesse should 
leave Kansas City, his natural restlessness, and the knowl- 
edge that the authorities were always on the lookout for him, 
suggested to him the propriety of another move. 

On the 3d of November, 188 1, Jesse's household goods 
were packed up, and with his wife and two children, and 
Charley Ford, he bade farewell to Kansas City, never to see it 
again. 

He journeyed to St. Joseph, and arriving there on the 9th 
of the month, he rented a house at the corner of Lafayette and 
Twenty-first street; he took the house in the name of Mr. 
Thomas Howard, and paid a month's rent in advance. On 
the day before Christmas he moved again for the last time. 
The house in which he met his sad fate was on Lafayette and 
Thirteenth streets. It was a neat plain frame building contain- 
ing seven rooms. It was painted white, with the usual green 
Venetian blinds. There was a yard with stable and woodshed 
capable of accommodating two horses. The house which was 
comparatively new, was situated just in such a way as to serve 
Jesse's turn in case of a sudden surprise. It was placed on the 

435 



436 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

top of a hill commanding a view of the city and surroundings 
in three directions. Immediately on the west side was a 
tolerably dense piece of woodland, which in case of an emer- 
gency could be reached in a moment, and would serve as a 
safe place of ambush. The neighborhood was highly respect- 
able; the World Hotel was within two or three blocks of Jesse's 
door. Here he spent his last Christmas day making merry 
with his little children, little dreaming how soon they would 
be made fatherless. 

As at Kansas City, so at St. Joseph, the life of Mr. Thomas 
Howard was very quiet and unobtrusive. The winter months 
passed very quietly, and Jesse was but very seldom seen. He 
was in the habit of keeping close indoors during the day, and 
all the visits made to the city were paid after nightfall; and 
then the journey was short, and the return home was speedy. 
The nightly errand was for his favorite journals, the Chicago 
Tribune^ the Cincinnati Commercial and the Kansas City 
Times', in the perusal of which he spent most of his time. 
The neighbors took little interest in the new family. If they 
said anything at all, it was to the effect that the " Howards" 
were very ^uiet people. 

Some stories are told of Mrs. James' intense devotion to 
her husband and children. How that herself of Presbyterian 
views, she was a frequent attendant at the Presbyterian church, 
while her two children, Jesse Edward and Mary were scholars 
in the Sabbath school. And in the evenings she might be 
found reading to her little ones, and teaching them their hymns 
and prayers. Yet this must have been a sad life, after all. 
Every day was a day of anxiety, and every strange sound 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 437 

startled her. There was $50,000 offered for her husband, and 
the father of her children, dead or alive I Talk of a skeleton! 
That was no skeleton, but a real, live terror. And do what 
she would, she could not rid herself from its horrible thraldom. 

When Jesse heard in the end of February that Dick Little 
was arrested, and had made a confession, he grew furious. 
What sort of a confession he had made of course he did not 
know. But he knew that whatever it was, he was involved, 
and he was shrewd enough to know that when a man begins 
confessing he has to go on, and he is not unlikely in order to 
save his own neck to make out a very black story of those 
with whom he has been an accomplice. 

If Dick had been arrested, and a confession had been wrung 
out of him, it would have been another matter, but to surren- 
der and volunteer a confession ! 

"D — n his cowardly soul!" was the first wild cry of anger 
that broke from his lips when he heard the news. 

"Hush! Jesse, hush!" said his troubled wife, "do be 
patient!" 

" To hell with patience !" said Jesse. " I wish to G — d I had 
him here, I'd teach him how to confess! IM give a thousand 
dollars for his dirty scalp this moment. And by heaven, I'll 
have it before a month's out, or I'll know." 

Jesse grew more and more uneasy, and if he was not really 
alarmed, he was more than usually restless. All this time 
Charley Ford was living at Jesse's house, and it must have 
been anything but a pleasant time for him. Jesse was not 
very communicative after the news of Little's surrender. A 
settled gloom seemed to have got the better of him. He grew 



43^ OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

if possible, more and more bitter against Dick. And whea 
he allowed himself to talk of Little and Shepherd at all, he 
generally wound up by saying that "hell was too good for 
treacherous pals." The " honor amongst thieves" theory was 
losing weight with Jesse. 

Another influence was beginning to work with Jesse. 
Funds were getting low. Never was there a surer illustration 
of the old adage " Easy come, easy go," than in the case of 
Jesse James, and what is true of him is probably true of the 
whole band. It has been stated that during the long years of 
their nefarious operations, the James gang could not have 
taken at one time and another, from trains and banks and 
stages, in money and in jewels, less than $275,000 worth of 
property. And yet all told, Jesse was not worth more than 
$600 or $650 when he was living at St. Joseph in February, 
1882. His failing coffers added to his disturbed state of mind. 

In the middle of March, Jesse made the move to journey 
home. The reluctant winter was just giving place to jocund 
spring. The farmers were stirring about in their fields, the 
barren hedge-rows were breaking out in bud and blossom 
These fields were the scenes of his early boyhood, but what 
a life he had lived since he first gazed on their vernal beau- 
ties. What a life it might have been, compared with the 
strange, sad story the changeful years had witnessed! How 
little Jesse thought as he drew near to the old homestead at 
Kearney, that before those spring blossoms had ceased their 
blooming, he would lie sleeping under the grass, with a bul- 
let through his brain! But so it was. An inexorable fate 
was darkening his path — he was to reap as he had sowed. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 439 



Of the details of that last visit home, we know little. 
Whether he was planning another robbery, as is averred, we 
cannot tell. Mrs. Samuels was evidently uneasy. The sur- 
render of Dick Little and his confession somewhat unnerved 
her iron spirit. There was danger in the air. Nearly all 
Jesse's old companions were dead or in prison, and even Jesse 
was not like his former self. Frank was far away and very 
ill, and she was growing old, and sad, and desolate. It was 
during this last visit that he met Robert Ford, and talked 
over another bank robbery. The general outline of the raid 
was resolved upon, but the details were left for further 
consideration. 

So Jesse returned to St. Joseph, bringing with him Robert 
Ford, his friend and ally, to be a guest beneath his roof, ind 
soon to be his murderer! 




CHAPTER LXIII, 

THE TRAGIC END OF JESSE JAMES. 

THE PLOT DEEPENS — A SCHEME TO RAID THE PLATTE 

CITY BANK THE EVENTFUL 3D OF APRIL — JESSE OFF 

H^ GUARD — THE FATAL SHOT. 

As far back as January, 1882, Robert Ford, who had long 
been w^orking under the orders of Governor Crittenden, 
became convinced that there was no possibiUty of capturing 
Jesse James alive. He was too alert, too wide awake for 
that, so Ford proposed to Police Commissioner Craig, of 
Kansas City, that he should make a full end of Jesse. The 
proposition startled Mr. Craig by its coolness, for young 
Ford seemed no more excited about a deliberate proposition 
to kill Jesse James than he would have been by a proposition 
to drive a herd of cattle to market. Mr. Craig was perplexed, 
and at his wits' end. His judgment coincided with Ford's 
reasoning, but the proposal was so deliberate and cold- 
blooded! It was at last agreed to have a consultation with 
Governdr Crittenden. On the 13th of January, Bob had a 
secret interview with the governor. But it was not until the 
night of February 2 2d that the final arrangements were 
made. On that day. Governor Crittenden visited Kansas 
City, to be present at the ball of the military company 
which was held in celebration of Washington's birthday. 
But the real purpose of his visit was to conclude these terri- 

440 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 44 1 

ble arrangements. What the precise nature of these plans 
was is not known. It is suggested that the first intent was 
for Ford to go back to Ray county, and raise a small party 
who should watch the home of Jesse, and on his first conven- 
ient appearance, surprise and kill him. Anyhow, Jesse was 
to be killed. The plan of a party of vigilants was abandoned. 

Robert and Charles Ford finally engaged under the prom- 
ise of the shelter of the law, to take the life of Jesse James. 
On the evening of Sunday, March 26th, Jesse and Bob 
returned from Kearney. Charley Ford was already an inmate 
of the house. The young men went under the name of 
Johnson. From this luckless hour, when Robert Ford crossed 
the threshold of Jesse James, in St. Joseph, the outlaw's 
death-watch was set. And yet Jesse had not the remotest 
thought of treachery. He seemed to give ungrudging con- 
fidence to both the boys. One day in the ensuing week — 
the last week of his ill-spent life — Jesse made Bob a present 
of a costly ivory-handled revolver, as a token of regard, 
asking him to take great care of her, for, said he: 

" She's a daisy, and never misses fire." 

It was with this very revolver that Jesse was shot dead. 

During this eventful week Jesse unfolded a plot for 
another bank raid. It appeared that the Burgess murder 
trial was fixed to take place in Platte City on Tuesday, the 
4th of April. Jesse's plan was to examine the premises of 
the Platte City bank on the night before, and if the examina- 
tion was satisfactory, to make a dash for the money in the 
bank next day, when the majority of the citizens would be in 
and about the court house, excited about the murder trial. 



442 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

Robert and Charles Ford both fell in with the arrange- 
ment, and would no doubt have gone with Jesse to Platte 
City on the day in question, had not that very morning 
offered the opportunity of which the treacherous Ford availed 
himself to put an end forever to the bandit's wild career. 

Jesse's intention was to get all the money he could from 
the Platte bank scheme, and then move out to Nebraska. 
He was already in correspondence with Mr. J. D. Calhoun^ 
of Lincoln, as the following letter — the last Jesse ever wrote 
— will indicate. 

JESSE JAMES' LAST LETTER. 

Mr. J. D. Calhoun, Lincoln, Neb. — Dear Sir: I have noticed^that 
/ou have i6o acres for sale in Franklin county, Neb. Please write to 
me at once, and let me know the lowest cash price that will buy your 
land. Give me a full description of the land, etc. 

I want to purchase a farm of that size, provided I can find one to 
suit. I will not buy a farm unless the soil is No. i. 

I will start on a trip in about eight days to Northern Kansas & 
Southern Nebraska, and if the description of your land suits me, I will 
look at it, and if it suits me I will buy it. From the advertisement in 
the Lincoln yournal, I suppose your land can be made a good farm for 
stock and grain. 

Please answer at once. 

Respectfully, 

Tho. Howard, 

No. 1318 Lafayette St., 

March 2d, '82. St. Joseph, Mo. 

To this epistle an answer came, speaking in most glowing 
terms of the land, and of the social, religious, and educational 
advantages of the neighborhood. And but for the secret 
stratagem of the Ford Brothers, Jesse might now be farming 
in Nebraska. 



444 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

But as Robert Burns says, 

**The best laid schemes o' mice and men 
Gang aft aglee." 

Monday morning, April the 3d — the day on which the 
boys, with Jesse, were to set out for Platte City — was one of 
those exceedingly fine da3^s that sometimes come in the early 
spring-time to tell us summer is on the wing. Breakfast 
was over. Jesse's wife was busy with her household cares, 
and the little children, Jesse and Mary, were playing just out- 
side of the door. Jesse and Charley Ford had been to the 
stable to groom the horses preparatory to their night's adven- 
turous ride to Platte City. Robert Ford had remained in the 
house. On returning Jesse went into the room that was used 
as his bedroom, and tossing his coat and vest on the bed, said: 

« It's an awful hot day. Bob." 

" Yes," said Bob, " it's quite a summer morning.^ To 
which Charley assented, saying that he was quite warm w.ith 
currying the horses. 

Jesse had on a belt In which he carried two forty- five 
caliber revolvers, one a Smith & Wesson and the other a Colt. 
He looked at these for a moment, and said : 

" I guess I'll take off these pistols ; somebody might see j 
them if I walk about with them in the yard, and they might 1 
think it queer." 

If Jesse could have caught the telegraphic look that passed 
between the two brothers at this announcement, he would 
never have unbuckled that belt. Not a word was spoken, 
only one quick, furtive glance; but that was enough. They 



446 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 

felt the hour and the opportunity had come, and they watched 
with anxious, eager watchfuhiess. 

The belt with the pistols 'was flung upon the bed, and 
Jesse without a thought of suspicion began dusting the pictures 
in the room. Duster in hand he mounted a chair to dust a 
picture with his back toward the boys. The opportune mo- 
ment had come. Robert Ford grasped his revolver, a click 
was heard, Jesse turned his head sharply, but it was too late; 
a ball went crashing through Jesse's brain. 

He fell with a heavy thud to the floor, the blood oozed in 
a crimson stream from the gaping wound, and in less time than 
it takes to tell, Jesse James, the terror of Missouri, lay dead! 

The shot had been instantly fatal, and all the bullets- in 
Charlie's revolver, still directed at Jesse's head, could not more 
effectually have decided the great freebooter's fate. The ball 
had entered the base of the skull and made its way out through 
the forehead over the left eye. It had been flred from a Colt 
.45, of improved pattern, ivory-handled and silver- mounted. 

The quick ear of Jesse's wife caught the sound of the shot, 
and she rushed in with alarm, to find her husband lying in a 
pool of blood, gasping in vain for breath. 

"Oh! my God! My God!" she cried, "what shall I do? 
Speak to me, Jesse! Speak, darling, do!" 

But she cried in vain. She fell on her knees and lifted 
Jesse's head to her breast. But it was too late. A brief 
spasm, a sharp twitching of the lips, and all was over! 

Meantime, Robert and Charles Ford fled. Revolver in 
hand, they were in the act of leaping over the fence, when 
Jesse's wife called to them; 



44^ OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

"Come back! Come back, you villains! Robert, you have 
done this! How could you? Oh! my God! my God!" 

Charles Ford tried in vain to persuade Mrs. James that the 
pistol-shot that made her a w^idovv, and her children fatherless, 
had been fired accidentally. 

"Gone off by accident! No, I guess not!" said Mrs. 
James, vs^ith a look that Charles Ford will not be likely to 
forget. 

Back went Mrs. James to the awful scene. She tried in 
vain to staunch the blood that still was flowing from the 
wound. 

The little children, ignorant of what was going on, came 
in from their play, and the scene that ensued was heart- 
rending. 

"Poor papa! poor papa!" cried the terrified children, as 
they clung to their broken-hearted mother. 




OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 



449 




JESS£ DEAD. 



CHAPTER LXIV. 

AFTER THE TRAGEDY AT ST. JOSEPH. 

WILD EXCITEMENT ON THE NEWS OF JESSe's DEATH 

THE PUBLIC INCREDULOUS — BOB FORD's STORY OPIN- 
IONS OF AN OLD CONFEDERATE. 

Charles and Robert Ford made their way with all speed 
from the desolate house to the first telegraph office, and as if 
exulting in a glorious triumph, they sent the following brief 
dispatch to Marshal Craig, Sheriff Timberlake, and Governor 
Crittenden: 

" I have got my man." 

Meantime, the news of the tragedy had got wind. And 
when the Ford Brothers got to the police station they found 
that Marshal Craig and a posse of officers had gone to the 
scene of the murder. They followed him without delay, and 
surrendered. They were immediately placed under arrest. 
They were marched to police headquarters through an as- 
tonished crowd. Mrs. James also accompanied the officers to 
the City Hall, having left her children in the care of Mrs. 
Larnal, who knew the Jameses under the assumed name of 
Howard. 

The news that Jesse James was killed spread like wild-fire 

through the city. Hundreds crowded the streets, the Court 

House was thronged, and every train brought in crowds of 

curious people, attracted by the news of the bandit's death, 

4$o 



452 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

Mrs. James telegraphed at once to her brother, Mr. 
Mimms, and to Mrs. Samuels, to come immediately. 

It was hardly possible to believe that Jesse was indeed 
dead. He had borne a charmed life so long, escaped so many 
times, had seemed to defy fate itself, that hundreds upon hun- 
dreds could not credit the news. Men laughed to scorn the 
idea of Jesse being caught unawares. " Shot down by a 
mere boy ! Ah ! nonsense ! " was the cry. " He'll surprise 
some of you yet; Jesse's only playing fox." 

Early in the day Coroner Hiddens was notified, and he in- 
structed Undertaker Sidenfader to remove the body to his es- 
tablishment. A large crowd accompanied the strange pro- 
cession, but only a few persons, including the newspaper n*e- 
porters, were admitted to the sad sight. 

As Jesse's body lay awaiting the inspection of the coro- 
ner's jury, it did not present a very revolting appearance. 
It did not bear in the face any signs of a hard, cruel, lawless 
life. But for the wound over the eye, through which the 
fatal bullet forced its way, the face looked as though it might 
have been that of a man who had lived at peace with all 
men. There was no sign of the outlaw on the dead man's 
face. It was calm, imperturbed and restful. But the weary 
breast that now lay at rest bore the marks of former strife. 
Two large bullet holes, memorials of the Northfield fray, told 
how tierce had been the conflict through which he had passed. 

It was hard to believe that Jesse James was dead. Hunted 
for years, hunted by thousands, could it be that he was run 
to ground at last? If the news was not too good to be true, 
it was certainly too strange to be easily credited. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 453 

The newspaper men of the district were soon on the alert. 
Robert Ford had not had time to get his first meal since 
the murder before the omnipresent reporter was sueing for 
an interview. 

" You see," said the reporter, " people don't and won't 
believe that Jesse is dead, unless they have some direct and 
distinct testimony." And so the reporter managed to get 
Robert talking, and when he was fairly started he showed 
no disposition to be reticent. For the interest of our readers 
we append the entire story of Robert Ford, as given to the 
representatives of the press on the first day of the murder. 



« So they say that the dead man isn't Jesse James, do 
they? Then they are mistaken. I first met Jesse James 
three years ago, and I have made no mistake. He used to 
come over to the house when I was on my oldest brother's 
farm. Last November he moved here to St. Joe, and went 
under the name of Thomas Howard. He rented a house on 
the hill, back of the World's Hotel, a quiet part of the town, 
and not thickly settled. My brother Charley and I had 
known nearly all of the gang, but had never worked with 
them otherwise. 

" I was in collusion with the detectives, and was one of 
the party that went to Kentucky and arrested Clarence Hite, 
last February. Hite got twenty-five years in the peniten- 
tiary. Jesse never suspected that we were false to him, and, 
as his gang was all broken up, he wanted new material, and 
regarded us favorably. Two weeks ago he came to Clay 



454 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

county to see his mother, Mrs. Samuels, who lives forty miles 
east of Kansas City. Charley and I told him that we wanted 
to join him and be outlaws, and he said all right. Charley 
came here with him a week ago Sunday, and I followed last 
Sunday night. We both staid at his house, a one-story build- 
ing with seven rooms. 

" Governor Crittenden had offered $10,000 for Jesse, 
dead or alive. We knew that the only way was to kill him. 
He was always cool and self-possessed, but always on the 
watch. During the day he would stay around the house, 
and in the evening he would go down to the news depot and 
get the papers. He said there were men here who ought to 
know him, but they never did. He took the Chicago Trib- 
une^ Cincinnati Commercial and Kansas City Times regu- 
larly, and always knew what was going on all over the 
world. About a week ago he read a piece in one of the 
papers that Jesse James' career was over, and Charley said 
he was awful mad about it. He said he would show them, 
before long, that Jesse James was not done yet. 

" He had not done any job since the ' Blue Cut ' train 
robbery, last September, and I don't believe he had over 
$700 or $800 in money. He was thinking of robbing some 
bank near by, and then running in under close cover. It 
was for this he wanted our help. We knew we had to kill 
him, but there was no chance to get the drop on him until 
this morning. 

" His wife and boy of seven and girl of three were in the 
kitchen. Jesse was in the front sitting-room, where he slept. 
Never knew him to be so careless. He commenced brushing 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 455 

the dust off some picture-frames, but stopped and took off his 
weapons, and laid them on the bed. There was a Colt's 
revolver and a Smith & Wesson, each forty-five caliber. He 
also had in the room a Winchester repeating rifle, fourteen 
shots, and a breech-loading shot-gun. 

" As he turned away from the bed, we stepped between 
him and his weapons, and pulled on him. I was about eight 
feet from him when he heard my pistol cock. He turned 
his head like lightning. I fired, the ball hitting over the lefl 
eye and coming out behind the right ear. Charley had his 
fiHgers on the trigger, but saw he was done for, and did not 
shoot. Not one of us spoke a word. He fell dead at Char- 
ley's feet. We then got our hats, went to the telegraph 
office, and telegraphed what we had done to Governor Crit- 
tenden, Captain Henry Craig, of Kansas City, and Sheriff 
Timberlake, of Clay county. The latter replied: 'I will 
come at once. Stay there until I come.' " 

On Tuesday morning, April the 4th, the newspapers told 
this story through all the States and Territories of the Union. 
In Kansas City, St. Louis and Chicago the excitement was 
intense. When Pinkerton's Detective Agency of Chicago 
heard the news they smiled incredulously. When, however, 
it was confirmed, Mr. William Pinkerton said : 

«'A11 right! The brave John Wicher is avenged at last!" • 

The whole of Clay county was in a state of perfect agita- 
tion. For, while Jesse was dreaded while he was alive, his 
tragic death awoke a feeling of pity. In the heat and fervor 
of the excitement, Robert Ford came in for a good deal of ex- 
ecration. 



45^ OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 

"Poor devil," said one who had known Jesse from his 
youth, "bad as he was, he was full of sand, and only an infer- 
nal traitor could have done him the dirty trick." 

One of the old members of the gang who left them some 
years ago to settle down into a quiet life at Independence, was 
questioned on the whole subject, and spoke thus freely in answer 
to the various queries presented to him: 

"What do you think of the killing of Jesse James?" was 
the question proposed to the old Independence confederate. 

"I do not know what to think. I guess there is no mis- 
take about it, and to tell the truth, I have been expecting it 
for some time." 

"Why?" 

"Because Jesse was so infernally bold in his movements 
that he was bound to be caught napping some time." 

"Did you expect him to go in this way?" 

"Yes, of course; for I knew he would not be taken alive, 
and I also felt sure that his death would be accomplished by 
some member of the gang. I never expected, however, that 
Bob Ford would kill him. I always thought Jim Cum- 
mings would be the one to do the job." 

"Why did you think of Cummings?" 
"Because he and Jesse were terribly jealous of each other, 
and were continually having some kind of a fuss." 
"Do you know Bob Ford?" 

"Yes, and I tell you he is clear grit, if he is nothing but a 
boy. He isn't afraid of the devil himself, and would just as 
soon tackle him as not." 

"Was he connected with the Blue Cut robbery?" 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 



457 




LATEST PORTRAIT OF FRANK JAMES. 



458 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

"No, but his brother Charley was. Both were in the 
Winston robbery, and he also helped Dick Little kill Wood 
Hite." 

"What effect will the killing of Jesse have upon the gang?" 
"It will break it up, of course. Frank was the real head 
of the gang, and did all the planning, but Jesse did the exe'- 
cution, and without him nothing can be done." 

"What about Jesse having lived in Kansas City for several 
months last year?" 

"He lived on East Eighth street at the time of the Blue 
Cut robbery, and was at home and read a full account of the 
affair in the papers next morning. He was supposed to be a 
stock dealer, and he came to Cracker's N eck several times 
when making arrangements for the robbery, on the pretense 
of buying cattle, and one time did drive a herd to the Kansas 
City stock yards." 

"Did the people of Cracker's Neck know him?" 
"Some of them did, but were afraid to give him away, 
while others had no desire to betray him. He came and 
went when he pleased, and was always welcome." 
"What will Frank and Jim Cummings do now?" 
"I think Frank will go to Texas and settle down. He is 
half dead from consumption, any way, and I don't think he 
will live long. The excitement is all that has kept him up 
for more than a year. Jim Cummings is a treacherous 
scoundrel. I shouldn't wonder if he tried some scheme 
to secure a pardon by betraying Frank. He will never be 
able to organize a gang by himself, as no one has any confi- 
dence in him." 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 459 

"What do you think of the manner in which Jesse was 
killed?" 

"It was a dirty, mean trick, but was the only way to get 
him, I am surprised that Jesse laid his revolvers down, for I 
never knew him to let them out of his reach before. Why, 
when he slept he always had a revolver in his hand, and the 
slightest noise would cause him to jump up straight in bed 
and cock his weapon ready for a fight. He was always 
afraid of being betrayed, and would never allow anyone to 
touch his pistols, or take them out of his hands. He was 
afraid of Jim Cummings, and would always make him eat 
and sleep apart from him." 

"What effect will his death have upon you and your part- 
ners in the Blue Cut affair?" 

"I don't know that it will have any, except to scare the 
boys. Bugler and Chapman are already fiightened half to 
death for fear of being lynched. We are all gone up, and I 
don't see any use of making any fight about it." 

"What about Dick Little's statement that you were not 
in the Blue Cut robbery ?" 

"Little is a liar, and I think he has been hired to tell that 
by Bugler's friends." 




CHAPTER LXV. 
THE INQUEST. 

MRS. SAMUELS RECEIVES THE NEWS HER INTERVIEW 

WITH JESSe's wife AND CHILDREN VISITING THE 

DEAD THE INQUEST SCATHING DENUNCIATION OF 

DICK LITTLE BY MRS. SAMUELS. 

When the telegram reached Kearney bearing to Mrs. 
Samuels the tidings of Jesse's death, she was walking in the 
garden in the warm spring sunshine. The sight of the mes- 
senger as he hurried toward the house filled her with sicken- 
ing apprehensions. It took but a moment to tear the dis- 
patch open, and there was the brief awful message: 

"Jesse just shot dead by Bob Ford. Come at once! " 

"That was all! Ten short words! But every word went 
like a poignard to the sad woman's heart. But she shed no 
tears. She seemed to be turned to stone in a moment. All 
the past seemed to rush before her aged eyes. The long sad 
years of agony and loss and care. And now Jesse was dead, 
dead by a traitor's hand. She crumpled the telegram in her 
hand and said in low broken words: 

"Shot by Bob Ford! Why did he trust him? Given 
away by Dick Little, the dastard, and shot by Bob Ford! 
Traitor! Traitor! Traitor!!" 

Mrs. Samuels hurried away the next day to St. Joseph 

arriving there about lo o'clock in the morning. The meet- 

460 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 461 

ing between the mother and Jesse's wife and the little grand- 
children was exceedingly pathetic. Jesse's widow broke forth 
in uncontrollable anguish, while the poor children hardly ap- 
prehending the full sorrow of the scene, clung to their aged 
grandmother with passionate sobs and crying, and tried to 
tell in their childish way all the pitiful story. Mrs. Samuels 
looked round again and again as though she could not believe 
Jesse was dead, and might at any moment cortie in at the 
door. The sad company was driven down to the under- 
taker's to view the body. 

The body of Jesse was laid out with all decency and order 
at Undertaker Sidenfader's. When Mrs. Samuels caught 
sight of Jesse's dead face, her pent-up agony broke forth in 
bitter wailing as she moaned and cried: 

" My poor boy! My dear son! My darling!" and she 
bowed her gray head and kissed his cold face again and again. 
Mother, wife and children! It was a pitiful sight. A sight 
to make a stout heart tremble. Mrs. Samuels was now con- 
vinced that Jesse was dead indeed. When asked if this was 
her son Jesse, she said : 

« It is! it is! Would to God it was not!" 

The arrangements had all been made for the coroner's in- 
quest. The jury was empaneled and consisted of W. H. 
Chowing, J. W. Moore, Warren Samuels, Thomas Morris, 
William Turner, and William George. The jury declared 
themselves ready to hear testimony. The court-house was 
crowded to its utmost capacity. Every inch of standing 
room was occupied, the anxious crowd pressed forward to gain 
a glimpse of the mothei* and widow of the dead guerilla, 



4^2 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

Amongst others in that motley crowd was Dick Little, who 
had been sent to the inquest for the purpose of identifying 
the body of the deceased. The testimony was in the follow- 
ing order: 

H. H. Craig, Police Commissioner of Kansas City, was 
the first witness sworn. He said : " The body corresponds 
with the description of Jesse James. I know the Fords. 
Bob Ford assisted Sheriff Timberlake and myself. Ford 
was not commissioned. Robert Ford acted through our in- 
structions, and Charles was not acting under our instructions." 

Sheriff Timberlake testified that he was acquainted 
with Jesse James and recognized the body. They were per- 
sonally acquainted. " Saw him last in 1870, and knew his 
face. He had a finger off. I told Ford to get his brother to 
assist him." 

Dick Little was sworn. " I have seen the body and 
recognize it as the body of Jesse James. I have no doubt of 
it. His general appearance is that of Jesse James. His finger 
is off as James' was. I recognize scars in the side and thigh." 

James Finley testified he was not acquainted with 
Jesse James. " I went to the house after the shooting and 
found two horses. I sent two officers after the Johnsons, as 
they were then called. Ford came and acknowledged the 
shooting. He described the wounds on the body, and claimed 
the man was Jesse James. Ford told me there were watches 
and jewelry at the house. I found watches, jewelry, pistols, 
cartridges and a purse. I gave the purse to Mrs. James. It 
had some small change in it. A scarf pin was found with 
the marks 'J. W.J.'" 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 463 

Mrs. Samuels, mother of Jesse, was then called. As she 
entered the room all eyes were turned upon her. Men stood 
on the seats, craned their necks, and used every endeavor to 
gain a view of the woman, who, although the mother of the 
outlaw, had the respect of every one in the room. She moved 
with a slow step and bowed head to the witness stand. She 
has a kindly face and eyes, and a rather prominent nose. She 
was dressed in blacky with a black straw hat, and a black veil 
that partly covered her face. When she took the stand her 
face had a resolute appearance, but as the examination pro- 
gressed, that disappeared, and she was very much affected. 
She testified that she was the mother of Jesse James, and she 
had seen the body but a moment before. " Is that the bodv 
of your son?" asked the coroner. "It is," she answered, and 
then sobbed out: "Would to God it was not!" Placino- her 
hands on the heads of the little son and daughter of Jesse 
James, who were standing in front of her, she continued, 
"And these are his orphan children." As she said this she 
was moved to tears. Mrs. James was asked to raise her veil, 
and, as she did so, Mrs. Samuels was asked if she recognized 
her. She answered that it was the widow of Jesse James. 

Mrs. James testified that she recognized the preceding 
witness as Mrs. Samuels. Mrs. Samuels retired from the 
court-room. 

The jury retired for a very short time and brought in 
the following verdict: 

" We, the jury, find that the deceased is Jesse James, and 
that he came to his death by a pistol-shot in the hands of 
Robert Ford." 



464 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

The processes of the law began their immediate course. 
The Ford Brothers were at once committed to jail under a 
warrant from Mrs. Jesse James, charged with the murder of 
Jesse James, late of St. Joseph, Missouri. 

The fact of Jesse's death was now set at rest. Further 
testimony was not needed. Indeed, none of any importance 
could be given. His mother, his wife, his old comrades, had 
sworn to his identity. And yet to this very day, if Jesse should 
reappear it would not be regarded as a miracle, there would 
be thousands who would say " I told you so! Jesse has fooled 
you all along." 

A remarkable scene transpired at the close of the inquest. 
It would seem as if Mrs. Samuels had not noticed Dick Little 
during the inquest. It may be she was absent when he gave 
his testimony. Returning from the court-house she leaned 
upon the arm of her bereaved daughter-in-law, who seemed 
doubly dear to her now that Jesse was gone. Mrs. Samuels 
had seen the bitter storms of nearly threescore years. Her 
hair was grey, and her brow was wrinkled and furrowed, her 
face was ashen pale. She bore all the signs of a crushed and 
heart-broken woman. Turning from the witness-stand her 
eye fell on Dick Little — whose confession she regarded as the 
beginning of Jesse's downfall; in a moment her eyes were 
dilated with the passion of a tigress, her bent form became 
suddenly erect, and her towering form assuming a terrible as- 
pect, she lifted her one arm and launched on him a bitter, 
bitter curse. 

"Traitor! Traitor! Traitor!" She hissed between her 
teeth, " God will send vengeance on yoii for this. Yoi; ar^ 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 465 




MRS. SAMUKLS, 



^66 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 

the cause of all this trouble. Oh, you villain! I would a 
thousand times rather be in my poor boy's place than in 
yours." 

Dick fairly trembled before the storm and tempest of this 
woman's wrath. He drew back in abject cowardice, as though 
he feared she might do him some bodily harm. And it may 
be, if she had a Smith & Wesson handy, that in the whirl- 
wind of her passion she might have made a full end of Dick 
Little's confessions. 

« I did not hurt him," said Dick. «« I thought you knew 
who killed him!" 

But Mrs. Samuels took no heed, she only groaned as she 
groped her way out of the court house. " Oh ! my God^ my 
poor Jesse!" 

St. Joseph grew more and more crowded as the day went 
on. Mrs. Samuels, and Mrs. James, with Mr. Mimms, spent 
the rest of the day in preparations for the funeral. 




CHAPTER LXVI. 

HERE LIES JESSE JAMES. 

THE LAST OF EARTH PREP A'%\TI0NS FOR THE FUNERAL 

— THE HOMEWARD MARCH JESSE LYING IN STATE 

THE FUNERAL OBSEQUIES. 

After all his wanderings east and west, through State 
and Territory, amid the civilized of crowded cities, the "cow- 
boys " of the plains of Texas, and the desperadoes of New 
Mexico, Jesse James came at last to die in his native State, 
and within fifty miles of his early home. 

Born in 1845, and dying in the spring-time of 1882, his 
life was spanned within the narrow limits of thirty-seven 
years. But what strange years they had been, crowded with 
deeds of wild reckless, daring. Jesse had not reached the full 
prime of manhood b\^ a decade, but he went down to his 
grave with more mortal murders on his head than he would 
care to count. The story of that strange life, as presented in 
these 2^ages is, of necessity, only fragmentary. No man's 
life can ever be written. There lies locked in the bosom of 
every man that which he would not care to divulge, and 
much more that he could not if he would. If Jesse could 
and would have told the secret story of his life it would no 
doubt have been mugh more thrilling than these pages are 
already. 

467 



4^8 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

After the inquest, the body of Jesse James, placed in a 
magnificent casket, with silver adornments which cost some- 
where in the neighborhood of $200, was handed over to 
Mrs. James for interment. 

The members of the whole family, as far as possible, had 
gathered at St. Joseph. There were Mrs. Samuels, Mrs. 
James, the two children, Jeg»e and Mary James, Mr. L. W. 
James, cousin of the late Jesse, and Mr. R. T. Mimms, the 
father of Jesse's widow. If Frank James was really there, 
as is avowed, he kept very quiet. There was some consider- 
able official wrangling as to whether the body should be sent 
to Kansas City; but Sheriff Timberlake prevailed, and as we 
have said, the body was handed over to Mrs. James by Cor- 
oner Heddins, on an order of the Grand Jury of Buchanan 
county, and a dispatch from Governor Crittenden. 

It was resolved that Jesse should be interred in a quiet 
corner of the homestead at Kearney. All arrangements were 
speedily made, and about 6 o'clock on Wednesday evening, 
April 5th, the mournful cortege set out. The depot at St. 
Joseph was crowded, the special desire being to get a glance 
at Jesse's aged mother. The casket which bore all that was 
mortal of Jesse was well guarded, and by none more faith- 
fully than Mrs. Samuels. Not until the casket had been 
safely placed in the baggage-car, could she be induced to 
board the train. 

Just before the train started, it is said that some demented 
fellow aimed a pistol at Mrs. Samuels, but he was quickly 
jiriven from the depot, and was glad to escape without mor^ 
trouble. 



Outlaws of tHB border. 4^9 

The funeral train reached Cameron about 9 o'clock at 
night. Crowds thronged the depot, and begged for a sight 
of Jesse's face. But all these requests were refused, Mr. 
Mimms and Mr. G. L. James keeping strict vigil by the dead. 
It was after midnight when the body of Jesse was borne 
into the Kearney Hotel, where it was arranged that the 
dead outlaw should lie in state from 6 o'clock to 10 
o'clock A. M. 

The scene in Kearney that day will not soon be forgotten. 
All business was suspended, the public schools were closed, 
and during the period while Jesse's body was on view, from 
1,800 to 3,000 came to take a last look at his face. 

At 2 o'clock the funeral services were held in the Baptist 
church, which was densely crowded. In this church, shortly 
after the war, Jesse professed religion and was baptized. 
The casket was placed upon the communion table. The 
services were conducted by the Rev. R. H. Jones, of Lathrop, 
and the Rev. J. M. P. Martin, the pastor. Mr. Martin de- 
livered a very impressive and suitable address. 

Mr. Martin begged that, on account of the fact that John 
Samuels — a half-brother of Jesse's — was lying at the point of 
death in the house, none but the near relatives of the deceased 
would follow the funeral to its final destination. But when 
the funeral procession reached the homestead there were 
three or four hundred waiting to witness the last sad rites of 
burial. 

The utmost decorum was observed. The casket was 
taken into the house for the dying brother to see, and if, as 
some say, Frank was there too, who need complain! If the 



470 OUTLAWS OF THE BOkDER, 

authorities knew of this, they made no effort whatever to 
arrest him. 

Jesse's grave was dug in the southwest corner of the one- 
acre lot of the Samuels homestead. The words spoken at 
that sad grave-side were few and wisely chosen. Mr. Jones 
said that God alone was judge of men, and to his merciful 
judgment we must leave our dead — a sentiment that may be 
permitted to pass unchallenged if properly understood. The 
hidden forces, motives, weaknesses, and predisposing causes 
which lead to the commission of crime are often so involved 
in obscurity, and so difficult, if not incapable, of analysis by 
men, that they must necessarily be left to infinite intelligence 
to determine. Society, however, is perfectly competent 'to 
take cognizance of, and pass judgment upon, overt acts; and 
is under an imperative necessity so to do under penalty of 
anarchy and dissolution, and return to the barbarism and 
isolation of savagery. 

No antecedent pressure is so great as to relieve the indi- 
vidual from the legitimate penalty of his acts; or, if it is, 
society is at least justified in assuming the responsibility of 
regarding his life as forfeit to the laws — a sacrifice, if nothing 
else, to the well-being of his fellow-men. Nor can any pity- 
ing sensibility for human infirmity or passion be permitted to 
contravene the decisions of society's courts of competent juris- 
diction. Indeed, society is every day sacrificing even inno- 
cent lives, through an unavoidable necessity, to its own pro- 
gress. Commerce and invention are daily making their mar- 
tyrs; and under these circumstances it is the mere drivel of 
unthinking sensibility to waste sympathy upon fierce and 




471 



472 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



brutal bandits and cut-throats, whose lives have been volun* 
tarily risked upon a cast of fate, and lost. Or, is it perhaps 
that this false feeling for the dare-devils of society is an inher- 
itance from the rude times when brute force and physical 
courage were the chief or only passports to admiration? 

The sun was beginning to set as the last clods fell upon 
the coffin. In a little while all was silent save the night 
winds which sighed and moaned through the pines, as though 
they too, would chant a requiem over Jesse James' grave. 




CHAPTER LXVII. 

RELIGION OF THE JAMES FAMILY. 

The religous business enacted at the funeral of Jesse by the 
mother and wife, is not new with them. Mrs. Samuels started 
in matrimonial life as the wife of the Rev. Mr. James. Dur- 
ing her residence under that divine's roof she was a constant 
attendant at church, and, although never very meek or lowly, 
her religion was of the effervescent order, and her command- 
ing presence was often seen to rise in church meetings. She 
could pray with fervor, and point the way to salvation, accom- 
panied by descriptions of =tJie locality now in the revised 
edition called hades, that would make the listener quake and 
tremble. Mrs. Samuels' name has never been stricken from 
the roll of membership of the New Hope Baptist churph, 
located a couple of miles from her farm, and which she joined 
several years ago. Following in the old lady's footsteps was 
the immortal bandit Jesse. When he came home after the war 
from his bushwhacking tour through the Southwest under 
Quantrell, he for about two years, Dr. Price tells us, lived on 
the farm, working, and to all appearances conducting himself 
as became a respectable young man. During the winter of 
1866 he attended the revival meetings held in the Baptist 
church in Kearney, and was converted and baptized. 

He was then noted for his boyish modesty and retiring 
nature — real or assumed. After he had been a member for a 
few months, he would come to the prayer meetings apparent- 

473 



474 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

ly very much depressed, and would pray aloud, with a fervor 
of despair, accusing himself of being a vile sinner, but never 
specifying his crimes. "I have heard him," said the doctor, 
•^'make an eloquent prayer." During the years 1865, 1866 and 
1867, Frank James was also seen in Kearney, but not so fre- 
quently as Jesse. In 1S70 they disappeared altogether, and 
since have been lost sight of, except by those on the inside. 
Mrs. Susie Palmer (then Susie James), sister of the James 
Boys, was also a member of the Baptist denomination, and 
both herself and mother have on more than one occasion 
asked the prayers of New Hope church for the erring Jesse 
and Frank. It is not known Wxiere Mrs. Jesse James caught 
the religious fever. Possibly the mother and sisters may have 
infected her with it, or possibly Jesse during the interims be- 
tween his marauding expeditions and killings may have settled 
down to fasting and praying. Certain it is that all the female 
relatives can pray fervently, and denounce their " enemies " in 
the name of God vehemently. It is thought by some that 
the deep religious feeling which they have manifested during 
the past week is hypocrisy. The better opinion is that it is a 
sort of mania with them. A deeper philosophy would find it 
no enigma even in the outlaws themselves, much less in their 
families. " It is the first step which costs," says the French 
proverb; and each successive step is a product of its antece- 
dent. It is known that there is scarcely a recorded case in the 
history of peccant humanity, in which the first step in crime 
proved the last. It is not in the nature of things that it should 
be so. The irritating consciousness of wrong-doing, like the 
excitement of liquor, impels its victim to further excess, and 
the robber and the drunkard alike become the prey of moral 
and physical intoxication. 



OVTLA WS OF THE BORDER. 



47; 




CHAPTER LXVIII. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE FORD BROTHERS. 

Robert Ford, who did the shooting, is rather slender, not 
very robust, but sinewy and active, and appears capable of 
great endurance, as well as adventurous and brave. His eyes, 
hazel in color, are large, piercing and restless. This latter 
peculiarity may, however, be largely due to the peculiarly 
exciting circumstances under which he was brought into pub- 
lic notice. His forehead is bold and high, and his general 
appearance indicates self-possession and shrewdness, if not 
cunning. His hair is a light brown, and not very abundant. 
He is about five feet eight inches high, resembling his victim 
in this respect, if no other. He would never have been sin- 
gled out of a crowd as the most available opponent of the 
daring outlaw ; yet it is easy to see after the event that he 
possesses many of the qualities most essential to carry to a 
success the schemes necessary to insure his death or capture. 

His brother, and assistant in the prosecution of their com- 
mon design, is larger, taller and broader, as well as a few 
years older. His hair is darker and his face broader, but the 
eyes are of the same hue. The lower jaw is somewhat obtru- 
sive, and in consequence he appears to be more brutal, if not 
more brave than his brother. The younger gives the impres- 
sion of greater shrewdness; the older, of greater boldness; 
and both of coolness, firmness, alertness and self-possession. 

476 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 477 



KOBKRT FORP, 



CHAPTER LXIX. 



UN-AMERICAN METHODS, 



It is not our present purpose formally to discuss the rela- 
tion of this act of the Ford Brothers to the laws of Missouri, 
nor the attitude of the State authorities toward them. But it 
must be confessed that the whole country was profoundly af- 
fected on learning of such a peculiar un-American method of 
enforcing the laws and bringing law-breakers to condign pun- 
ishment. It savors too much of semi-barbaric or Asiatic 
methods; and though a faint but very real tincture of the 
same principle may be recognized in the habitual procedures 
of prosecuting attorneys and police authorities, by inducing 
one of a gang of criminals to turn witness for the State against 
his fellows, and the like; and notwithstanding that the same 
idea is crystalized in the popular proverb, "It takes a thief to 
catch a thief;" it still remains a fact that a profound sensation 
was created by this unique method of executing the law. 
Court martials, and suspension of trial by jury, and other 
more or less arbitraiy processes have been familiar to the 
most progressive and free races of men in times of internal or 
external danger; but that, in the midst of peace and at the 
very acme of the reign of law and order in \he most advanced 
country in the world, a premium should be put by public au- 
thority on such a flagrant breach of faith between man and 
man, between guest and host, between relative and relativCj 

478 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 479 

is, to say the least, very startling. Piiblie events have a sing- 
ularly powerful influence in edueating the people ; and the 
sanction of government should be carefully withheld from 
everything that savors of treachery and deceit. 

Governor Crittenden, fairly representing in this matter the 
great State of which he is the chief executive, felt Very deeply 
in common with his people, the unmerited stigma which was 
being fastened on the commonwealth by the continued law- 
lessness of the band of outlaws of which Jesse and Frank 
James were popularly recognized as the irrepressible leaders, 
and by which a State, second to none in natural resources, 
was being deprived of its rightful share of national develop- 
ment and increased prosperity. He may well be excused if, 
in the earnestness of his zeal, he may have overstepped the 
lines which more thoughtful minds, removed from the blind- 
ing force of urgency and pre-occupation, would lay down for 
his guidance. The man of affairs, with an intricate problem 
demanding immediate solution, may err in appearance more 
than in reality, if, in the failure of all ordinary resources, he 
is tempted to take refuge in new but effective measures. 
Overwhelmed with the necessity of securing the end in view, 
he may fail to catch the full significance of some slight 
obliquity in the means employed. Flagrant perversity may 
obtrude, and be quickly set aside; but perplexity generated 
by the pressure of apparently conflicting duties has a tendency 
to blunt the keen edge of moral susceptibility. 

It would seem that Governor Crittenden and Sheriff 
Timberlake were fully cognizant of the whereabouts of Jesse 
Jamesj or could have obtained that knowledge from the Ford 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



480 



Brothers, who are stated to have been in their power, and 
the actual murderer in their employ. Under these circum- 
stances it is hard to justify the method pursued. Far better 
would it have been to have summoned a posse, or, if neces- 
sary, the militia of the State, and arrested the criminal at his 
house on the hill. It is true, such a course might have endan- 
gered the lives of the assailants, but officers of the law are 
accustomed to take such risks; the law would have been vin- 
dicated, and the State of Missouri saved the added discredit of 
having got rid of its bandits in such an un.American fashion. 





. YOUNGER BROTHERS 




CHAPTER LX\. 

THE YOUNGER FAMILY. 

Henry Washington Younger, the father of the "Younger 
Brothers," was born in Kentucky about the year 1805. At 
an early age he conchuled to seek wealth, home and influence 
in another county, and consequently emigrated to the (then) 
western wilds of Jackson county, Missouri. He was a man 
of marked ability and the highest integrity of character. 
Struggling against poverty for several years, he finally began 
to see the fruit of his labors in a comfortable homestead and 
some well-cultivated land. He worked hard, and saved what 
he earned. Always pleasant in his manners, and honorable 
in his dealings, no man in Jackson county was more respected- 
Concluding, about the year 1S30, that two could live as- 
cheaply as one, and having a weakness for the opposite sex: 
which is quite common to humanity, Mr. Younger asked 
Miss Beersheeba Fristoe, a most estimable young lad}^ for 
her hand. The offer was accepted, the nuptials were per- 
formed, and a happier couple could be found nowhere this 
side of the California gold mines. Everything went on as 
merrily as a marriage bell. Mr. and Airs. Younger enjoyed 
the blissful experiences of their own congenial society, and 
the respect of all who knew them. Acre after acre was added 
to the homestead, until a very fine farm indeed was presided 
over by the young Missourian. His popularity among his 

483 



484 OU7V.AWS OF THE BORDER. 

neighbors grew, until its borders were the boundary hues ot 
Jackson county. The people said he would make a good 
representative at Jefferson City. Accordingly he was sent 
to the Legislature three successive terms, and declined serving 
a fourth. His estate in Jackson county now consisted of 600 
acres of choice land, with many fine improvements. But 
prosperitv continued to smile upon him. He soon purchased 
another farm near Harrisonville, Cass county, upon which he 
moved his family in 1858. Previous to his departure from 
Jackson county, however, he served eight years — 1850 to 1858 
— as judge of the county. The peo^Dle delighted to honor 
him, and had he remained at the old homestead, perhaps the 
terrible afflictions of himself and family would have been 
avoided. But repairing to his farm in Cass county, he lived 
pleasantly and peaceably, enjoying the luxuries of life and an 
untroubled conscience. Soon after arriving at his new home 
he began to speculate a little. Two stores were bought by 
him. vShortly, seeing a good bargain in a livery stable at 
Harrisonville, he purchased, and made a great deal of money 
out of this venture. No more prosperous man could be 
found in all the country. It is said that, at the beginning of 
the civil war, or at the time ot his death, Washington 
Younger was worth one hundred thousand dollars, a consid- 
erable portion of which was destroyed or taken by the Union 
troops. 

Fourteen children — six boys and eight girls — were the 
fruits of his happy wedlock. Richard Younger, the oldest 
of the children, died in i860, just as he was budding into 
manhood. He was a fine-looking, popular young man, with 



OUT/.AtVS OF THE BORDER. 



485 




COLE YOUXGER. 



486 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

good traits and a good heart. Fortunate it was for him, no 
doubt, that death cold and grim, phicked the flower ere it 
should be withered by the wintry blasts of adversit}^ and mis- 
fortune awaiting the remainder of the fomil}'. His life had 
been one of pleasure, — his demise at the most auspicious 
moment of it all. The clouds of rebellion were then lower- 
ing, and the mutterings of the distant thunder already heard 
in parts of Missouri and Kansas. Had he survived, his fate 
would have been that of his brothers, and the fair name ot 
Richard Younger been tarnished by the black spots of ven- 
geance and bloodshed. But he died; and may the willows 
o\QY his grave ever point to the place above where every 
member of that now notorious household would be entitled 
to go, had not outrages more terrible than imagination can 
picture, been heaped upon them. 

Thomas Coleman Vounger, the next oldest, was born 
Jan. 15, 1844, in Jackson county, Missouri. B\' nature 
he was brave but gentle. His education, as did that of all the 
children, reached quite a high degree. His fjither spared no 
pains nor expense in fitting Coleman for an active, intelligent, 
and useful life. Although his nature was deep and his pas- 
sions strong, there was no particular manifestation of it until 
after the death of his fathei. Since then he has stood a peer 
of the Jameses in bravery and daring, while revenge of the 
bitterest type speaks in every act. Although mild and gen- 
tle in youth, and decidedly peaceable when treated properly, 
yet is he fiercer than a lion when aroused. We have heard 
so much concerning the atrocities committed by this Cole- 
man Younofer, that it is difficult to believe him ever a sfood- 



OCTLAlva OF THE BORDEH. 



4S7 




TIM YOUNGER 



BOB YOUNGER. 



488 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

natiired youth desiring nothing but peace and happiness. 
And yet before the terrible scenes inaugurated at the out- 
break of the late civil war, no kinder hearted young man 
could have been found in Harrisonville than himself. 

The next one of the boys is John Younger, who was born 
in Jackson county in the year 1846. His nature was some- 
what different from that of Coleman and Richard, but by no 
means repulsive. Always radical and daring he frequently 
had occasion to test his ability in "fist fights" among the 
other boys of the neighborhood long before the fatal days of 
the rebellion. He was perhaps the most passionate of any of 
the brothers, and had he not been plucked from the wild 
scenes of outlawry by the bullet of Captain Allan, in 1874; he 
would have startled the world, perhaps, with more daring 
deeds than those of his brothers. 

Bruce, James and Robert are the next ones born into the 
happy household of Washington Younger. They were born 
respectively in the years 1848, 1850, and 1853. 

The first of these three brothers died at an early age. 
The experiences of future years which were to blight their 
fair name and utterly destroy all happiness under their roof, 
was spared this child of flite. Like Richard, he sleeps be- 
neath the sod, one of the flowers of the Younger family 
whose sweetly perfumed petals send off no odor distasteful to 
the sensitive organs of many who hate the name of Younger. 
James was a daring, eckless character, full of life and vigor, 
and having a nature almost cruel from the beginning. None 
were braver, none courted danger more than he. His boy- 
hood days were enlivened by hunting, riding and rough sports 



OUTLAU'S OF THE BORDER. 489 

"^in which he seemed to take greater dehght than any of hi, 
Drothers. Early in life he learned to handle a gun, and be-^ 
fore reaching manhood, had acquired considerable skill with 
a revolver. Robert Younger, born in 1853, was considerably 
younger than Cole, 3^et always enjoyed his companionship 
more than that of the other brothers. He was a fine appear- 
ing boy, even when he started out under the black flag of 
Quantrell. Many a maiden of his neighborliood was smitten 
W'-ith his laughing eye, jovial countenance and winning man- 
ners. But before he had spent very many years as an out- 
law his career was suddenly stopped by the strong hand of 
the law, and he languishes with his brothers. Cole and Jim, 
behind the bars at Stillwater, Minnesota. 

All the. home influences surrounding these notorious 
characters of historv were the best. Their father was kind 
and indulgent; perhaps too much so. Love reigned supreme 
throughout the household. The brothers loved the sweet 
faces of their sisters, while the girls reciprocated with the ten- 
derest affection. In fact had their passionate regard 
for mother and father been less ardent, it is doubt- 
ful whether o soon at least, they would have taken up the 
gauntlet in their defense. A man of wealth and influence, 
Henry Washington Younger gave his family a high standing 
in the community. No young men or young ladies had better 
advantages intellectually and socially. They were all given 
a liberal education. The girls pursued whatever branches 
they chose, and fitted themselves for useful and intelligent 
womanhood. Their hands were sought by scores of suitors, 
and the best families of Western Missouri were glad to re- 
ceive them into their relationship. 



CHAPTER LXXL 

THE BALEFUL CURSE OF CIVIL WAR. 

While the writei- would not for anything exonerate those 
whose eondemnation is deserved, yet it does seem that more 
than the voung men who are generally counted responsible 
for the black deeds of their hands will, in the final reckoning, 
be placed alongside them as instigators to all their wicked- 
ness. When we glance impartially at that cheerful fireside 
before the civil war, and read the happy faces before us; 
faces expressing intellects as elevated and souls as expanded 
as can be found in less notorious households; when we listen 
to the innocent prattle of those children, and the sound injunc- 
tions from father and mother, there appears no great founda- 
tion for attributing their after crimes to a bloodthirsty and 
inhuman nature. Different from the James Boys, in having 
a father to instruct, and a highly respected mother to guide, 
yet the dark obloquy that attaches itself to the name of 
Younger will perhaps never be lifted; nor will any charita- 
ble hearts forget the deeds of later years long enough to 
glance back into the probable cause. Certain it is that the 
lawlessness of after years was never imbibed during their 
home lite. Almost unpardonable wrongs and cruelties were 
inflicted on them by the unprincipled "Jayhawkers" and 
" Red Legs " of that Western country. Cruelties too bar- 
barous for heathenism, and yet committed under protection 

of the fair American flag. But wx are anticipating. 

49c 



Ol'TLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



491 




THE CONFEDERATE FLAG. 



492 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

Henry Washington Younger was a Union man. At the 
beginning of the civil discord, which turned neighbor against 
neighbor, brother against brother, and child against parent, 
this representative of the people and man of wealth repre- 
sented the unpopular side of the question in Missouri. He 
loved the American flag. He loved the grand young nation 
under whose banner he_ lived. He condemned the spirit of 
anarchy and secession which was animating so many of his 
friends and countrymen. Although frequently incurring the 
displeasure and ill-will of his friends and neighbors, he unhes- 
itatingly declared his loyalty to the supreme authority at 
Washington, and his admiration for the noble Lincoln. 

Notwithstanding his position in this strife, at the very 'first 
raid of that scoundrel Jennison into Missouri, Mr. Younger 
was damaged to the amount of $30,ooo. They carried off 
forty head of valuable blooded horses, which he was keeping 
in his stable at Harrisonville. They laid their hands upon a 
number of vehicles belonging to him, and such other things 
as were to be found. No questions were asked by the marau- 
ders, no reasons given. Their n>ain object was to plun- 
der, and they selected Mr. Younger as the victim. Of course 
they were known as Union soldiers. They were working to 
suppress the Rebellion — and fill their pockets with the spoils 
of conquest. Pretending to be laboring in the interests of 
the government, within whose jurisdiction their plans were 
executed, they cared nothing for the political sentiments of 
their victims, but robbed wherever there was material worth 
taking. Fortunes were swept away like snow under a melt- 
ing sun. Innocent homes were ransacked, outrages com 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



493 



mitted, inmates hanged or shot, and all in the name of free- 
dom and justice. No wonder those who happened to full 
into the hands of such wretches were turned into demons of 
revenge. No wonder respect for the flag, respect for the 
government, respect for the law that would permit, and, as 
was frequently supposed, sanction such harbarities, should be 
lost. 

This first atrocious deed for a time bowed down Mr. 
Younger with grief; but he soon recovered, and loved his 
country and her great cause as fervently as ever. The cul- 
mination of his wrongs was yet to come. Foraging parties 
again visited his fine farm, and wasted his resources. Demand 
upon demand was made upon him. He saw his property 
slipping from his grasp. He was called upon to yield up his 
money or his life. There was no resistance to be offered — 
no succor from any source. Finally, in 1S63, he received the 
last cruel thrust from the murderous hands which had left so 
many deep imprints upon his fortunes. He had gone to- 
Independence, Missouri, in a buggy to receive a large sum ot 
money — the proceeds of a sale of cattle. The Jay hawkers 
heard of his intentions. They resolved to have the wealth. 
An ambush was sought near the road, about five miles from 
Independence. The unsuspecting man started home in his 
buggy. The sale had been a profitable one. He carried the 
entire proceeds on his person, most of it being in a belt con- 
cealed beneath his clothing. As he rode along briskly, 
enjoying the scenery, and thinking of his happy fireside at 
home, he was suddenly sto^Dped by a harsh voice crying out: 
"Fire!" In an instant twelve muskets answered the com- 



494 



OUI'LAIVS OF THE BORDER. 



mand; twelve deadly bullets pierced his bod}-, and twelve 
men stepped into the road by his side. The body was com- 
pletely riddled. All that remained for the freebooters to do 
was to secure the reward and depart. This they did only in 
part. Four hundred dollars was all that was found, and the 
remainder in the concealed belt unnoticed. His lifeless and 
mangled body was left lying in the road, a prey for buzzards 
and devouring beasts. His sons, suspecting something had 
happened, finally went in search of him, and found his form 
where it had fallen, while his spirit had taken its flight to its 
God. Is it a wonder that the boys of so loving a father could 
witness such a scene, and never cry out for vengeance upon 
the perpetrators? That sight — the memory of that awful 
day — the widowed mother, almost frantic with grief, the sis- 
ters falling upon the lifeless form, and looking to them for 
assistance, for comfort, for protection — was enough ever after 
to stir their volcanic natures to the innermost depths, and 
drive them forth with ungovernable fury. 




-iS^ 




495 



CHAPTER LXXII. 
GUERILLA RECRUITING. 

PEACE ESSENTIAL TO PROGRESS SCRATCH OUR CIVILIZA- 
TION AND YOU FIND BARBARISM — HOW RECRUITS WERE 
MADE FOR QUANTRELL. 

Mr. Younger was dead, but his sons were not. Cole had 
been driven into Quantrell's camp some time before this 
occurrence, for self-defence, and this fact w^as used as a pre- 
text by the Jayhawkers for committing the horrible deed just 
recorded. But the angel of peace had taken its flight from 
the threshold of the Younger residence to return never again. 
Not content with taking the life of the inoffensive father, the 
hvenas in the guise of Union soldiers ceased not to heap new 
sorrows upon her to whom the fatherless children now looked 
for protection. At the dead of night she would be awak- 
ened by loud hammering at the door, and demands for admit- 
tance. If slow in obeying the command, the doors would be 
broken in, and the house searched, without regard to feminine 
delicacy. Time and again she and her daughtershave arisen 
in the middle of night to prepare a meal for twenty or thirty 
huno-ry Red Legs. Profanity, obscenity, and indecenc}- were 
always indulged in by these wretches, and not one word 
permitted in remonstrance. 

The boys, unable to defend their home against such bands 

of marauders alone, one after another joined Coleman, and the 

/}96 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 497 

terrible Quantrell. Here they proved formidable adversaries 
to their persecutors, and eventually became as bad as those 
whom they hated. The names of the Youngev Brothers be- 
gan to be feared by Union renegades, and others less worthy 
of injury. The Jayhawkers sought every opportunity to cap- 
ture the boys, and even inflicted many severe penalties upon 
their defenceless sisters and mother as revenge. A band came 
to the house one day and demanded information regarding the 
boys. The inmates of the house pleaded ignorance. The free- 
booters insisted that the women knew of the o:uerillas' where- 
abouts. Again all knowledge concerning the parties sought 
was denied. Without other cause, and in the most cruel man- 
ner three of the beautiful maidens were dragged out of the 
house, carried to the Kansas City jail, and locked up. Being 
kept there awhile, and still refusing to disclose the hiding place 
of their brothers, the infuriated mob tore down the building in 
which they were incarcerated over their heads, killing every 
one of the girls and some other relatives who had been locked 
within those walls. Can civilization boast of any superiority 
over barbarism, if that deed was the outgrowth of civiliza- 
tion? Can history point to a deed more dastardly than the 
cold-blooded murder of these innocent maidens in Kansas City; 
Were such experiences not the kind to either drive the sub- 
jects of this chapter mad, or into the most fiendish engage- 
ments? 

Mrs. Younger saw her daughters brought home stiff in 
death. Nor did she know whether the murder of them was 
all that they had suffered. It was quite probable that a fate 
more terrible than that of death had been theirs while in the 



49^ OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

hands of those desperate and heartless animals calling them- 
selves men. Another funeral was the result — another series 
of green graves — another flood of tears, and Mrs. Younger, 
bowed down with affliction and grief, was rapidly nearing the 
time when she, too, would have the laurels wreathed over her 
breast, and the willows waving above her lonely corpse. But 
she was destined to drink still deeper the dregs from sorrow's 
cup. 

Having her family broken up — the boys, all but one, hav- 
ing been obliged to leave the home fireside, — Mrs. Younger 
concluded to remove to her property in Cass county. She 
sought peace and loneliness. She longed for a place where 
she might be permitted to indulge her grief over the loss of 
loved ones who had been ruthlessly snatched from her em- 
brace without warning or without cause. She sought to bring 
back once more a faint ray of that light and joy which had 
shed its beams over their past life. She would forgive the 
crimes committed against her in the name of law and justice: 
still love the old flag that had been trailed in the dust, and 
which she had loved in former days, if only she were permitted 
to dwell in quiet and peace. 

No sooner had she left the abode of so much misery, and 
repaired to her Cass county farm than the hell-hounds were 
again upon her track. They swore that the mother of the 
Younger Boys should disclose their hiding places, or suffer the 
consequences. Consequently a visit was made to her new 
home by twenty-two Jayhawkers. It was dead of night when 
they reached the place. The inmates were at once aroused by 
loud cursing, hallooing, and hammering by the drunken mob* 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 499 

Mrs. Younger knew too well what it was. She had heard 
such sounds before. She descended as soon as possible, but 
the door was burst in, and a search begun for her wavward 
sons. These not being found, one of the desjDeradoes threat- 
ened to knock her brains out with the butt end of his gun un- 
less she told where they were. Failing to extort anything 
from her, the leader of the gang said : 

"Well, you d — d old hag, we'll make you come to it! 
You can't hide butternut guerillas in this house and escape 
punishment. Boys! Get some shavings and kindling. We'll 
burn the old shant}^ to ashes." 

This was received with a round of cheers, as the brave and 
courageous ( ?) knights of a glorious republic prepared the 
fuel for reducing the last of the Younger estate by flames 
When everything was ready, the chief thundered: 

" Now, old woman, get a match quick! No whimpering 
here! And if you have any brats left in the house I'd advise 
you to get them out. You've got to do do the work yourself 
Strike the match now and let her flicker." 

Too frightened to disobey, and knowing there was no 
other alternative but to do as she was bid, the sorrow-stricken 
woman applied the torch to her own domicil, and watched it 
disappear as the angry flames swept it to the very foundations. 
Her tormentors stood around and taunted her over its destruc- 
tion; not one sympathizing heart — not one human voice — only 
the demoniacal jeers of a half-drunken band of wolves in 
soldiers' uniforms. As she tottered away from the ruins of her 
beautiful homestead, almost blind with fright and grief, the 
cruel flames of persecution seemed to be gnawing at the strings 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 500 

of her heart until they were ahnost ready to snap. For three 
miles she trod that weary, dark and drearisome road. For 
three miles she staggered on, scarcely knowing whither she 
went. For three miles no gleam of light greeted her vision 
as she peered into the midnight darkness. For three miles 
Mrs. Younger, with heaving breast and aching head, labored 
on until completely worn out and ready to drop, she reached 
the friendly abode of a neighbor, w^here she found rest. But 
the terrible experience of that night wrought their work upon 
her, and for days she lingered between life and death. Her 
nature was strong and heroic, but such manifold adversities 
would crush a Joan of Arc. Consumption with its malignant 
hand fastened its grip upon her frame and finally succeeded in 
dragging its victim to the grave. Not immediately did she 
succumb, it is true, but never after that terrible experience was 
she able to travel much, nor engage in the duties of life. 

Having a son-in-law by the name of Jones in Clay county 
she was sent thither by her friends, where she remained for 
the most part until her death in May, 1870. 




CHAPTER 

THE YOUNGER BOYS WITH QUANTRELL. 

We come now to the lives of men who have anything but 
an enviable reputation, yet who are not without reason for 
their conduct. Coleman Younger in particular, is considered, 
and properly so, one of the most desperate and lawless char- 
acters which it has been the painful duty of history to record. 
But, as has been shown, his life has not been altogether bad. 
Until he reached the years of manhood he moved in as 
good society, aud enjoyed as respectable a name as any young 
man in Western Missouri. The circumstance which com- 
pelled him to depart from the paths of peace and loyalty to 
his government occurred in October, 1861 — about six months 
previous to his father's death. He and his sister were attend- 
ing a party given by Colonel McKee of Harrisonville. A 
large company had been invited, including several military offi- 
cers who were stationed in the village. Conspicuous among 
these was Captain Irvin Walley, a young man of good ap- 
pearance, but a bad heart. This federal captain asked Miss 
Younger to dance with him, which invitation was for some 
reason declined. The valiant officer was considerably nettled 
over the refusal, and expressed himself quite freely in regard 
to it. To add fuel to the flames. Cole Younger purposely 
paid special attention to another young lady present, to whom 
Walley was also inclined. The young lady rather showed 
preference to the good-looking youth of eighteen summers. 



S02 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 

The blood of the gallant Captain began to boil with indig- 
nation as he saw Younger captivating the belle of the even- 
ing, while he had been jilted on every side. He concluded to 
avenge the offense by chastising his adversary. Conse- 
quently, having made known his intentions so that Younger 
heard of them, he bided his time. Cole considered that there 
would be more virtue in quietly retiring than in provoking 
any attack, so he took his sister and returned home before the 
hour was up for departing. Walley called him a coward 
when he heard of his leaving, and resolved not to let his vic- 
tim escape so easily. He noised it abroad that the country 
"would be better off with less Youngers in it anyhow," and 
boasted that he proposed to exterminate "the whole gang of 
'em." Cole advised with his father, who concluded to send 
him down into Jackson county to avoid trouble. In a day or 
two after the young man had taken his departure, Walley 
and a band of militia appeared in front of the Younger resi- 
dence, and demanded his surrender. Upon being informed 
that he whom they sought was not at home, but in Jackson 
county, the freebooters swore they would capture him if 
they had to go to Texas after him. After a little preparation 
the captain started to Jackson county with a company of well 
armed men to seize one harmless, beardless youth. Bu^ 
when their destination was reached, the bird had flown. 
Word had been sent him by his father, of Walley' s intentions, 
and Coleman had taken refuge with relatives. Mr. Younger 
immediately sought a council with the Jayhawkers, and tried 
very hard to work a reconciliation. Their leader was invin- 
cible. The offending youth must die. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER, 



503 




GEORGE SHEPHiRD. 



504 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

Seeing no safety for Coleman in that section any longer, 
Mr. Younger arranged to send his son away to college. The 
idea was entirely satisfactory to the boy, and prepa) ations be- 
gan for his removal. Just a day or two before he was ready 
to start, relatives in Kansas City sent word to him that it 
would be unsafe for him to leave his, concealment — that 
guards were stationed all around him, and an attempt to get 
out of the country would result in sure death. Consequently, 
their plans were again demoralized. It was not known vvdiat 
to do; one relative advised this, another that. Finally Cole 
decided the matter for once and all, by coolly remarking : 

"So be it then. I will fight them since I must." 

These words constitute the key to the fearful tragedy that 
followed. Driven to rebellion because there was no alterna- 
tive, he afterward learned to love it better than law and order. 

Quantrell and his daring band had made quite a stir in 
many parts of the country, where in January, 1861, they were 
reinforced by Coleman Younger. Although young m 
years, he at once took rank as one of the bravest and most 
cautious of that reckless band. The new life had many 
charms for his courageous nature. His associates, for the 
most part, were young men with like interests, and all having 
suffered some wrong at the hands of the Jayhawkers or Red 
Legs. The spirit of their intrepid chief was inspiration for 
any deed. Kind and jovial with each other and friends, their 
doctrine was to hate and fight to the bitterest end all who op- 
posed them. Although considered to be a law unto them- 
selves, without warrant from either the federal or confederate, 
they were in reality fighting and pillaging in the regular ser- 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 505 

vice of the Southern leaders. Coleman Younger sometime 
since published a letter in which he emphatically declares that 
he was personally recognized during the entire war by con- 
federate commanders, as an officer of the army, and received 
pay as such. But they were bound by no particular limits, 
nor restricted by ajiy rules. The w^ork of damaging Union 
forces and counteracting the work of the unlawful bands of 
marauders on the other side, was given entirely into the hands 
of Quantrell, who made the best use of his liberty. 

The first fight in which the subject of this sketch engaged 
after joining the band occurred at the house of John Flannerty, 
in Jackson county. The guerillas had been on a raid into 
Kansas and were just returning. They had stopped at tlie 
above mentioned residence for the night and were wrapped 
in the arms of Morpheus, when loud hammerings and curs- 
ings at the door awoke them. Quantrell descended and in- 
c[uired the cause of such a racket. The answer was: 

" Quantrell and his guerillas are in here and we demand 
an unconditional surrender." 

" Surrender !" That word had been stricken from Quan- 
trell's vocabulary. Might as well have sent such a message 
to Grant at Vicksburg, or Lee when he first entered Rich- 
mond. He asked for a few minutes to decide upon. During 
the interval allotte them the guerillas were arranging for a 
desperate fight. Some were placed up stairs, and others down. 
At the apjDointed time Quantrell ordered his men to fire, 
when such a deadl}^ volley was poured into the militia upon the 
outside that a 2:)anic ensued. 

The besiegers kept clear of the house after that, br.t 



5o6 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

poured in their leaden messengers from concealment. For 
two hours the fight raged unabated. " Crack ! crack," sounded 
the muskets, with ever and anon, some one's dymg 
shriek or groan. Finally one or two of the militia 
managed to set fire to the house. The flames hissed 
and snapped as though delighted with the prospect of rout- 
ing the inhabitants of the building. It soon became evident 
that there was no alternative but flight. Pillows were secured 
dressed with coats and hats, and when the proper time came, 
thrust out the windows. Of course those on the outside 
thought these were the guerillas tumbling out, and poured a 
dozen shots into each one. As soon as the fire v/as thus 
drawn, the band made a grand rush out of the house at anoth- 
er point, poured a volley into the enemy, and breaking 
through their ranks, escaped in the darkness of the night. It 
was a narrow escape, but an escape none the less. None of 
the guerillas were killed, while a large number of the militia 
never saw the light of another day. Cole Younger came 
very near ending his days after getting out of the house, and 
had he been a man of less prowess and skill, would have done 
so. By some means he became separated from the remaindci 
of his band, and was pursued by a dozen horsemen. More 
than once they overtook him in the timber, but as often were 
frightened into a stampede by Younger pointing his empt}- 
gun and stick at them, at the same time raising a cry as though 
his fellows were with him. He came through all safe, how- 
ever, and received the congratulations of his companions over 
his strategy. 

The experiences at Flannerty's were soon to be repeated. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 507 

Not more than six weeks after that episode, Quantrell with 
his men were lodgers at the residence of Major Tate in Jack- 
son county. It was midnight. The sky overhead was be- 
spangled with glittering stars, while the stillness of the night 
was marked by scarcely a sound. Suddenly a band of 
mounted militia rode up to the house, and roused the inmates. 
A rough voice demanded that Quantrell and his men come 
out immediately, or fire would be opened. The answer was 
a shot from the chief himself, which sent the commanding 
lieutenant to his long resting place. Firing at once began on 
both sides, which continued for three hours. Time was given 
in the meantime for Major Tate and his family to remove to 
the barn. One after another the besiegers fell under the un- 
erring fire from within, until a successful attempt was made 
to burn the building. As soon as the heat and smoke became 
unbearable, the command was given the guerillas to charge 
the ranks of the enemy. So sudden and terrible was the 
assault upon them that the Jayhawkers were thrown into con- 
fusion, and permitted their birds to escape. The guerillas 
had one man killed, while the militia lost twenty men and 
had forty more wounded. Such marvelous triumphs created 
a kind of superstitious notion among the people generally that 
the confederate irregulars were destined by fate to survive 
all attacks — they fought with charmed lives. 

Col. Buel, with two hundred followers, were passing 
through Jackson county about Febuary 26, IS62, when he heard 
that Quantrell was somewhere in the neighborhood. After 
considerable scouting the band of guerillas was discovered in 
camp on Indian Creek. Investigation disclosed the fact that 



5o8 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

they were very strongly fortified, and every precaution would 
be necessary for their capture. Accordingly he concluded to 
surround the camp that night and demand a surrender in 
the morning. Two ten-pound cannon were among his 
accoutrements. Silently the militia planted themselves on all 
sides of the camp, and waited for daylight. At the first dawn 
a shell was sent into the slumbering camp which caused every 
man to jump upright, gun in hand. In a moment the gueril- 
lias took in the situation. A council was held. Cole Younger 
proved the right man for the emergencey. He proposed that 
they defend the fort all day, and at night slip over to a barn- 
yard full of cattle near by, and cause a stampede. The 
militia would think it was the guerillas escaping and in the 
confusion, Quantrell and his men could get out at another 
point. Rather a novel plan to be sure, but we will see how 
well it succeeded. 

The fight waged hot and fierce all day. Several times the 
militia charged but were as often severely repulsed. Fnally, 
as the shades of night began to gather around, the firing 
ceased, and silence reigned supreme. About midnght Cole 
Younger, with two or three assistants, withdrew from the 
camp, and sought the barn-yard. It was reached safely, and 
without being noticed. Immediately the drove of cattle were 
put to flight. They went dashing pell-mell through the 
woods, making sufficient noise to wake the entire Federal 
camjD. The cry: " The guerillas are upon us!" was raised 
and the direst confusion followed. Some panic-stricken, fled 
they knew not whither. Others, stood motionless, half asleep 
and bewildered. Col. Buel, as soon as passible, arranged his 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 509 

troops for defence, but before such arrangements were com- 
pleted the fifty guerillas were safely concealed in the rear of 
BuePs camp. They had slipped out of the fort in another 
direction, and were now planning an attack. As soon as day- 
light disclosed the whereabouts of the enemy's artillery. Cole 
Younger was dispatched with a small body of men to capture 
it. This he did with no trouble — the artillerymen being 
completely surprised and unable to offer resistance. Then 
began another fierce conflict. The Jayhawkers were largely 
in the majority, but having lost their cannon were at a great 
disadvaniage. It is uncertain what would have been the re- 
sult had not Jennison, with quite a large body of jayhawkers, 
at this moment appeared in sight. But before Quantrell had 
time to take the alarm, Col. Buel, mistaking the oncoming 
soldiers for Confederates, ordered a hasty retreat. Great con- 
fusion followed, the jayhawkers leaving behind all their am- 
munition, the two cannon, and one hundred killed. 

Quantrell had lost but eight men and a few wounded. 
Oneof the most brutal acts of this unlawful tragedy be- 
ing enacted oh the borders of civilization, occurred a few days 
after the fight at Flannerty's. A company of Jayhawkers 
learned that Cole Younger was concealed at the house of a 
relative by the name of Blythe. The entire company at 
once set out for his scalp. Mr. Blythe's house was reached — 
a demand made for Younger, and upon being informed that 
he was not there, a vigorous search ensued. But Younger 
had before their arrival regained his comrades. Maddened at 
being foiled, and pretending that Blythe was lying to them, 
they took the little curly headed boy of the household and 



5IO OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

brutally murdered him. The father and mother were com- 
pelled to witness this barbarous deed — fit only for brutes with- 
out the semblance of a soul. 

But this courageous band was soon to pay bitterly for 
this atrocious act. Quantrell and Cole Younger were not far 
away at the time, and hearing of the brutal murder, resolved 
to wreak revenge of the most merciless character. The Jay- 
hawkers were expected to pass through a narrow valley 
called Blue Cut. Here the entire band of guerillas concealed 
themselves and bided their coming. Presently the unsus- 
pecting federals came riding along. When they had all got- 
ten well into the Cut, so that not a man could escape, a mer- 
ciless fire from the front, rear and both sides was hurled at 
them. They dropped from their horses, one after another, 
never offering any resistance because they knew not where to 
fire. Scarcely a man escaped. If every one had been guilty 
of slaying the little, innocent, bright-eyed boy, so each must 
pay the penalty with his life's blood. Cole Younger fought 
more desperately than any one else. He boasted afterward 
of having killed ten Jayhawkers. As one or two tried to es- 
cape, he seized the bridles of their steeds and sent a bullet 
crashing through the brain of the frightened victim. 

For a year the guerillas and Younger Brothers kept at 
their work of pillaging, slaying, and destroying property. It 
would take too long for the present work to enter into the de- 
tails of their lives during this bloody period. Barbarities al- 
most beyond the reach of imagination were performed by both 
sides. The fearful experiences through which the subjects of 
this sketch had passed — the murdered father, the weeping, 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 511 

sorrow stricken mother, the outraged sisters — made them 
demons in their thirst for revenge. Deeds were enacted by 
them of which they are ashamed even to-day, when the heat 
of battle and the fires of vengeance have partially died out. 
One circumstance may be related before closing the chapter 
which will tend to show the magnanimity sometimes mani- 
fested by these desperadoes, and their attachment to friends. 
Quantrell sent Cole Younger with a band of twenty-five 
men to intercept the march of fifty Jay hawkers. Younger 
learned that the commander of the Federals was Captain 
Long, an old and true friend whom he had known many 
years. His first injunction was to save the life of Long at all 
hazards, but shoot down all the rest. Long was accurately 
described so that the guerillas could not fail to recognize him. 
Younger concluded to seek the same ambuscade he had been 
in before, that of the Blue Cut pass. The militia were trav- 
eling from Harrisonville to Independence, and would pass 
along this road. As was anticipated, the fifty cavalrvmen 
rode into the trap and it was closed upon them. Twenty- 
seven of them fell, either killed or wounded, and ten were 
taken prisoners. Among this squad of prisoners was the gal- 
lant captain himself. Cole pursued some who were trying to 
escape, shot down a man by the name of Shoat, whom he be- 
lieved to be a scout, and returned to see his friend. The two 
met. A cordial hand-shaking ensued, and Captain Long dis- 
covered that he was in the hands of a man whose heart was 
still to be touched by the tender chords of afFection. After a 
pleasant talk over their experiences, in which Cole informed 
the Federal commander that he had shot his horse from un- 



512 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



tier him in order to ca^oture its rider without bloodshed, Long 
and his fellow prisoners were granted their liberty, and went 
their way rejoicing. 




CHAPTER LXXIV. 

THE YOUNGERS IN OTHER RELATIONS DRIVEN TO 

OUTI>AWRY. 

As has been related elsewhere, Cole Younger and his broth- 
ers were in the regular service of the Confederate army. In 
1863 Missouri became too warm for them, and they sought 
other climes. James accompanied Quantrell into Kentucky, 
and was with that desperate character when he fell. Younger 
himself was taken prisoner at the same time, and sent to the 
prison at Alton, 111. Here he was confined until the summer 
of 1866. Finally, being released, he returned to his 
home in Jackson county, Missouri. John and Robert 
were already at the old homestead, when James arrived, en- 
deavoring to repair some of the ravages of the war. 

Cole Y^ounger, after leaving Missouri, repaired to the camp 
of Kirby Smith. Under General Smith he did some effec- 
tive work. His courage and daring made him extensively 
useful when some dangerous exploit was on foot, and he soon 
won an enviable reputation among his comrades. He was 
placed in command of a small company of men whose busi- 
ness it was to intersect the enemy's supplies, tear up bridges, 
cut off foraging parties, and generally harass the enemy. In 
1865 Cole was sent out to California with authority to raise 
a company for similar work to that he had been engaged in at 
the South. After considerable difficulty in reaching his destina- 
tion, having experienced several conflicts with whites and Indi- 

513 



Si4 OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

«ns, he reached the Golden >State. Hardly had he hegiin his 
work of raising the company, when Lee's surrender reached his 
ears and the project was ahandoned. He remained a while 
in the mountains and then returned to his home in Missouri. 
Here he found all his brothers. Every one had passed through 
the furnace and returned scorched, but alive. 

The brothers set themselves about repairing the old home- 
stead, and gathering up some of the lost wealth, with great 
vigor. They were back again in their childhood haunts, and 
although marks of the terrible ordeal were to be too plainly 
seen on all sides, yet the war was over, and the Younger 
family courted peace. The mother evidently did not have 
many years longer to spend in this world, and she desired her 
boys about her while she lived. But the mother's desires were 
not to be realized. Although peace had theoretically come 
to the nation, practica'ilv it was still war in Jackson county, 
Missouri. Men would declare their sentiments. The womuls 
\vi':-e too fresh to be thus gouged, and fights were thus con- 
staii'dv occurring. But it was by far worse for the ex-gueril- 
las than any one else. Of course the North having triumphed, 
her soldiers reaped the greatest benefits. Nugent's State 
miiitia were given offices wdierever desired, and many of the 
Jayhawkcrs \vcre put into places of trust;' These had an im- 
placable hatred for the ex-Confederates, Avho in turn recipro- 
cated the aflection. Hot words would be used, a stiuggle 
ensue, the guerillas be overpowered, and killed or imprisoned. 
Nearl}^ all the sheriffs were militiamen. These of course had 
it within their j)ower to shoot, imprison or drive out all whom 
they chose, inuler the protection of the law. 



OUTLAJVS OF THE BORDER. 515 

The Youngers had escaped ill-trealment for the most part 
since returning-. All who knew them understood their char- 
acters too well to attempt any indignities upon them without 
plenty of backing. But at length one of the ex-Jayhawkers 
whom Cole Younger had injured in some way, upon learning 
that the boys were liome, decided to " wipe 'em out,"' as he 
expressed it. Accordingly he organized a posse of desperadoes 
like himself, and started for the Younger residence. As the 
band came through Lee Summit, a small town not very 
far from Harrisonville, they sa^v an ex-guerilla bv the name of 
George Wigginton, whom some of them had a spite against. 
The cry was raised to seize him, which was done in the most 
violent manner. He was subjected to the meanest treatment, 
being prodded v>ath guns, pricked with knives, spit upon and 
such other barbarities as the half-di'unken freebooters saw fit 
to use. Finally they made him mount a horse and go along 
^vith them. Upon reaching the Younger place, they de- 
manded the surrender of Coleman. But the ex-guerilla had 
" smelled a mice " and left for parts unknown. The old 
mother was threatened, tlie sisters were insulted, and the 
younger brother John, dragged to the barn and hung until he 
would disclose the whereabouts of Cole. A noose was 
placed around the boy's neck, and he was strung up to a rafter, 
but no disclosures could they wrest from the courageous lad. 
Several times the process was repeated until the rope cut a 
great gash In his neck. Finding this plan to extort information 
unavailing, they commanded the boy to move on ahead of 
them,swearing they would take him where he would be glad 
to tell. The boy, almost dead, was thus driven before the 



5i6. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



heartless wretches until nio^htfall, when he watched his oppor- 
tunity and escaped. 

Other attempts were made to capture oi- kill the brothers 
until, driven to desperation, they swore eternal vengeance 
upon their persecutors and left their childhood home for Texas. 




CHAPTER LXXV. 

THE YOUNGERS AS OUTIwVWS TTTEIK LATEST ACTS. 

If ever men were justified in defying law, the boys of the 
Younger household certainly were. For, although passion- 
ate and headstrong, they nevertheless had a deep regard for 
the laws of civil and social life until, in 1866, staggering 
under the fearful load of insults and crimes which the com- 
monwealth of Missouri permitted to he heaped upon them, 
the}' threw off allegiance to the government, and stepped 
into a life where they might be able to assert their rights. 

From the time that the}' were driven from home into 
Texas, no correct record of their doings can be obtained. 
Falling in with the Jameses and other lawless characteus, 
soon after leaving Jackson county, they adopted the mode of 
life obtaining among their new-found associates, and soon 
became proscribed characters the country over. Just how 
many of the scrapes attributed to them they have actually 
been in, would be difhcult to state. Their connection with 
the Gad's Hill, Chicago & Pacific Railway, Russellville and 
other robberies, heretofore mentioned in these pages, is undis- 
puted. But, no doubt, many depredations have been com- 
mitted in their name, \vhen the Younger Bovs knew nothino- 
of them.' The last fearful battle which three of the brothers 
were to hght, and wdiere the strong hand of the law took 
hold upon them with an unrelenting grasp, was at Northfield 

517 



5lS OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 

Minnesota. Successful attempts had been ma(ic elsewhere to 
rob banks of their treasures, and it was thoug-ht that a raid 
upon Northfield would be none the less successful. Our 
readers have all seen the account of this sad tragedy. Sad, 
because the brave and heroic Westfall, cashier of the bank, 
fell a victim to the remorseless messengers of death. The 
story of that terrible attack in the streets of Northfield, in 
which the robbers were cut, shot, and everything but killed, 
and manv of the citizens sustaining more sevious wounds, is 
still fresh in our minds. How the Younger Brothers, with 
Clell Miller, Frank and Jesse James, finally succeeded In 
getting out of the hands of the angry mob that surrounded 
them. How the James Boys escaped to Mexico, and the 
remainder of the g-ang to the woods of Minnesota. It was 
here, about two weeks after the tragedy at Northfield that a 
company of one hundred and fifty men surrounded them; 
where Clell Miller was shot through the heart, while Robert, 
Jim and Cole Younger, although bleeding from a score of 
wounds, and pierced by as many bullets, fought like a she 
panther defending her young. But exhausted, almost sense- 
less, unable to stand or to use their arms, they were at length 
compelled to give up, and surrender to the authorities. 

A very touching incident is said to have transpired when 
the judge, before whom the boys were tried, pronounced the 
sentence of imprisonment for life upon them. Miss Retta 
Younger, a beautiful and accomplished sister of the boys, had 
come from her home to attend the trial. x\s the judge ut- 
tered the last word of the awful sentence this affectionate sis- 
ter fell upon the neck of her brother Cole, and wept so bit- 
terly as to move every one to tears. 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 519 

The bovs were taken to Stillwater, Minnesota, where 
the prisoner's j^arb was put upon them, and where they are 
to-day. 

It is said that at the time of their capture. Cole hatl twen- 
ty-one bullet wounds upon his person, some of which were 
very serious, Jim had six wounds in all, and Bob three. Per- 
haps any other men would have died from the effects of the 
latest ordeal. But these men had iron constitutions and al- 
most superhuman will-power. Die they would not, and die 
they did not. 

vSince being incarcerated, a great change has come over 
the young men. Time for reflection has led them to see the 
great error of their lives, and an entirely different course 
would now be pursued were their libertv again theirs. The 
scars of battle are almost entirely obliterated. Jim was shot 
through the mouth which produced an ugl\' \vound, but no 
semblance of such a gash can -now be seen. Coleman has ^i 
bullet within his skull, ^vhich causes him considerable pain, 
])ut is otherwise healthy. But the handsomest of the three is 
a robust, fine appearing young man, intelligent and mannerly. 
The visitor who converses with the noted outlaws in their 
prison home discovers no trace of that bloodthirsty nature 
popularly attributed to them. The same sympathy and affec- 
tion which prompted Cole to carry his brother Jim out of the 
Northfield aifray upon his back, and indignantly resent the 
proposition of Jesse James to put an end to Jim's sufferings 
with a bullet, still expresses itself in his features and conver- 
sation. And no one gazing into the youthful, pleasant, but 
decided countenance of Robert would suspect that he ever 



520 



OUTLAWS OF THE BORDER. 



shot with his left hand only too effectively alter his right arm 
and both legs had been broken, and gave up only because as 
he said, "The boys here, are all shot to pieces."" Their time 
at Stillwater is spent mostly in reading. Cole has fully re- 
pented and is quite probably suffering considerable remorse 
for his misdeeds and ill-spent days. He is devoting most of 
his spare moments to studying theology. Bob is putting in 
his extra hours on the subject of medicine, and Jim reads all 
law books available. They are permitted to converse with 
each other but once a month. It is said to be very affecting 
to witness the eagerness with which the boys embrace each 
other at these periods. To a gentleman who was talking 
with them about a year age. Cole expressed his deep re]j^ret 
that his passions had never been restrained when a boy, but 
in that bemg humored in everythmg, he had at length become 
entirely unwilling to yield under any circumstances, and when 
struck, never failed to resent it. Should any clemency ever 
be granted them, and they be permitted to step out into the 
free air of citizenship again, there is no doubt but peace and 
prosperity would attend their walks, and the noted despera- 
does of frontier life would be counted valuable additions to 
any community. 







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